Translating Islamic Concepts and Local Wisdom in EFL Education: A Systematic Literature Review

Wiwit Engrina Nora; Veni Roza; widya syafitri

doi:10.58485/jie.v5i2.788

Authors

Wiwit Engrina Nora Universitas Islam Negeri Sjech M. Djamil Djambek Bukittinggi, Indonesia
Veni Roza Universitas Islam Negeri Sjech M. Djamil Djambek Bukittinggi, Indonesia
widya syafitri Universitas Islam Negeri Sjech M. Djamil Djambek Bukittinggi, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.58485/jie.v5i2.788

Keywords:

EFL education, Islamic concepts, local wisdom, translation pedagogy, cross-cultural translation

Abstract

Translation plays a central role in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) education, particularly in Muslim-majority contexts where learners navigate linguistic and cultural differences between Islamic conceptual frameworks and English. This systematic literature review synthesizes research on the challenges, strategies, and cross-cultural approaches involved in translating Islamic concepts and local wisdom into English in EFL education. Following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a systematic search was conducted across five databases Google Scholar, ERIC, DOAJ, Scopus, and Garuda/Sinta for studies published between 2014 and 2025. Of 915 records identified, 14 peer-reviewed articles met the inclusion criteria and were thematically synthesized. Four themes emerged: (1) challenges in translating Islamic concepts, particularly conceptual non-equivalence and epistemological asymmetry; (2) challenges in translating local wisdom, including cultural loss and semantic displacement; (3) translation strategies, including transference, descriptive equivalence, dynamic equivalence, and hybrid approaches; and (4) cross-cultural pedagogical approaches integrating Islamic values such as al-bayan, tabayyun, and amanah. Based on these findings, the review proposes cross-cultural witnessing as a conceptual contribution that frames translation as responsible and critically aware cultural representation. The findings have implications for EFL curriculum design, teacher education, and instructional materials in Islamic educational contexts.

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