The Tebyan English Site
The Tebyan English Site is a safe and secure information environment, providing authentic and correct information in the cultural, religious, social and political fields through clips, audiovisual files and attractive photo galleries. The materials of the Site cover different serious religious subjects and occasions, while they also offer some entertaining materials for various age groups. Thus, the Tebyan English Site offers suitable and updated information and articles in English.
Mr. Muhammad Reza Sameti, 31, was born in Tehran. He is BA in English language and literature and has been engaged in writing and translating for the past five years. He is an author, poet and a professional translator.
When did the Tebyan English Site launch its activities and how long have you been working for this site?
The Tebyan English Site launched its activities in 2003. I have been working for this site since 2010.
Would you kindly elucidate the nature of subjects and materials of the English Site?
The main fields of activities of the Tebyan include Islamology, Iranology, family, Iranian literature, Islam and the world, audiovisual media, membership and users’ services, science and history. The main themes of our activities are Islamology and Iranology or Iranian and Islamic studies.
The section on Islam includes materials and articles on the following subjects: Islamic commandments, Mahdaviyah (Messianism in Islam), the teachings and precepts of the Prophet of Islam (PBUH), Hazrat Fatima (S.A) and 12 infallible Imams, the Holy Qur’an and related fundamentals, religious books, Muslim scholars and clerics, beliefs, Islamic schools of thought, history of Islam, etc. The section on Iranian studies include the following topics: history, art, renowned figures, tourism and the Islamic Revolution. Also other subjects are offered on the basis of the demands and needs of the users.
How about your colleagues?
Currently the English materials are prepared with the cooperation of Miss Soleymani Fard, a graduate of English translation, a professional translator who is in the charge of the English site and Mr. Musawi, a political scientist, who is the Editor-in-Chief of the Echo of Islam and a university lecturer.
Isn’t better to engage native speakers for the translation of your materials to English?
It is a very good point. Indeed, native speakers have a better command of English language. There is no doubt about it. But with regard to the translation of materials from Persian to English and finding equivalents in English, good command of one language alone is not enough. For instance, we had some galleries and icons for the translation of whose nomenclatures we had lengthy discussions, for some of our materials contain literary metaphors and our native colleagues were not well versed in Persian literature and figures of speech which are needed in the process of translation, particularly when you want to find equivalent terms. Hence, in my opinion, it is not very important to be native or not, what really matters is a good command of both the languages.
What are the limitations in the process of preparation of your English materials?
There are several problems, but the most important one is related to the contents. Sometimes, the consent of materials may be in contradiction with Islamic or Iranian values. There are many sites offering different materials, but not necessarily all of them are useful. You know that a considerable chunk of our materials deal with issues related to family, which is a very complex subject. Honestly, it requires insight, knowledge and experience.
What subjects require more attention in your site?
In my opinion an English site should follow a pathological approach to different subjects. Fortunately, this year, Mr. Mahdavi is in charge of the content of the site. He is very insightful and cooperative. Hence, we have focused on profound issues through a pathological approach to different subjects. What is necessary not only for an English site but also for other languages is concentration on knowledge, including religious and Iranian knowledge through a pathological or critical approach.
How far the comments and viewpoints of the users influence your professional accomplishment?
A successful website is normally a user-based one, for users have access to up-to-date internet sources in the cyberspace and are well acquainted with the contents and details of the latest news and developments. As a result, the viewpoints and comments of the users are supported by their information. Clearly, I mean the users who are intelligent and fair enough and at the same time are interested in studying different materials.
How far the annual exhibitions such as those of the Holy Qur’an are effective in promotion of the Qur’anic and religious teachings?
It goes without saying that such exhibitions have serious effects in promotion of their related subjects. Since the visitors of the Qur’anic exhibitions are wholeheartedly interested in the Qur’an and religious teachings, naturally, their effectiveness is more than other exhibitions.
However, some professional assessment and surveys before the time of exhibitions as well as training classes for the exhibitors will inject knowledge, insight and diversity to the exhibition system. As a result, the exhibitors will be able to establish a more effective rapport with the customers because of their deeper insight of the job, the exhibition environment and the clients or visitors and their tastes. Then one can say that due attempts have been made in the promotion of the teachings of this unique treasure.
Interview by: Mona Nasserpour
Public Relations Department
Translated by: Sadroddin Musawi
