Abu al-Eid Doudou: From Linguistic Transfer to the Creative Act

Abstract

The experience of the Algerian translator Abu al-Eid Doudou stands as a rare example of translation evolving from a mere linguistic operation into an integrated cultural and creative project. Doudou transcended the traditional model of the intermediary translator to embody the figure of the “intellectual–translator,” one who reproduces texts through interactive critical and interpretive visions rooted in encyclopedic knowledge and a profound understanding of cultural and linguistic systems.

This paper is based on an in-depth analysis of his translational project as a creative act and a form of secondary writing, wherein the translating self intersects with the spirit of the text, and translation is positioned as a civilizational dialogue between cultures rather than a simple literal transfer. Abu al-Eid conceives translation as a complex act that requires self-formation and continuous practice, while questioning prevailing notions regarding translators’ competence. He emphasizes that mastery of language alone is insufficient without a deep understanding of its cultural contexts.

His theatrical experience, particularly in Al-Turab (The Soil) and Al-Bashir, further demonstrates how translation enriches creative writing and leads to the reconstruction of texts in light of the recipient’s specificities without compromising the spirit of the original. Through his works, Doudou affirmed that translation is not merely a means of communication, but also a means of producing knowledge and expanding the horizons of shared understanding. He also showed that the true translator engages intellectually and aesthetically with the text, contributing to its reshaping in ways that serve both the recipient and their culture.

This paper concludes that Doudou’s translational project constitutes an intellectual production akin to authorship itself, restoring translation to its rightful place as a cultural act that enhances human dialogue and builds bridges between civilizations.