article will be published online. Please edit add references and review ethical considerations dn legal copy all tis stems from the spiritual writings of Amir Abdel Kader, and the fact that he was the man to unify Algeria as a nation for the translations to state no one may use any part of writing that isn’t theirs nor do they own English hence to need to ask permission to reproduce one of his poems is ridiculous and eurocentric cognitive rubbery encapsulated in claim of neutrality and legalities Amir ‘Abd al-Kader’s spiritual writings translated by Michel Chodkiewicz ”
In this scenario, copyright law protects the translated work, disallowing unauthorized reproduction or use of the translation. This, in essence, creates an artificial barrier around a cultural and spiritual legacy not owned by the translator or the publisher.
This practice can be critiqued on several grounds. First, it potentially commodifies and appropriates cultural heritage. Amir ‘Abd al-Kader is a significant figure in Algeria’s national and spiritual history. His writings are not simply texts; they embody a rich cultural legacy that belongs to the people of Algeria, not to be cordoned off by copyright law. Secondly, this scenario underscores the unequal global power dynamics inherent in intellectual property laws. These laws, predominantly developed in Western contexts, may inadvertently favor those who have the means and resources to translate and publish works, often at the expense of the source culture.
Finally, the ethical dimension of this issue is unignorable. While translation is a crucial means of sharing and preserving cultural heritage globally, it is also responsible for respecting and honoring the source culture rather than exploiting it for profit. The metaphor of claiming ownership over translations of Shakespeare’s works into French may seem absurd, but it highlights the inherent tension in this issue. However, the case of Amir ‘Abd al-Kader is arguably even more contentious, given his status as a spiritual and national figure. In conclusion, translating and copyrighting culturally significant works like Amir ‘Abd al-Kader’s writings reveal the urgent need for a thorough reevaluation of intellectual property laws. Such a reevaluation should consider the ethical implications, power dynamics, and historical contexts of these laws’ impact. This issue is not neutral but is deeply interwoven with questions of justice, respect, and cultural heritage.
