Introducing and Translating Al-Fuzai’s ‘The Slap’

Abstract

In ‘The Slap’1, Al-Fuzai depicts a conflict between a husband’s mother and her daughter-in-law. This is a problem every newly married couple faces because in many Arab communities, a bridegroom usually prefers, and is socially encouraged, to live with his parents. Hence, the issue is cultural; cultures might be introduced through translation. Al-Fuzai addresses this social issue in ‘The Slap’, trying to criticize the social context a new wife is put in (Dohal, 2018 a, p.27). A responsible individual should create a healthy environment where all members of the family can practice their rights and continue their life in comfort and prosperity; such an environment is not provided in this story. ‘The Slap’ represents an example of Al-Fuzai’s literary writings (Dohal, 2021, p.746). It is translated and introduced here for the first time for readers who have no access to Arabic. In addition, it handles a social issue some people may not give enough attention to.