1 Punctuation Marks Make a Difference in Translation: Practical Examples

This article deals with the issue of using punctuation marks correctly. The misuse of punctuation marks affects meaning; therefore, it affects translation. As a result, the writer should pay more attention to punctuation marks and not to use them randomly. Simultaneously, the reader has to take care of the punctuation marks when interpreting a certain text for translation. The article tackles the jobs done by punctuation marks such as the use of the comma to set off nonessential information, the comma to set off interrupters, the comma separating direct-address expressions, the comma with short introductory statements and the comma before a relative pronoun. Moreover, the difficulties caused by lack of a comma will be discussed. The problematic use of comma before "and " will be handled. Cases in which no comma is needed in the target language will be provided. The current article provides some practical and illustrative examples, especially the comma and the full stop. Translation from English into Arabic and vice versa is considered