The Bible Translator: Volume 1, Issue 2

Discusses the interpretative task of translation. This includes four principal problems: (1) text criticism [what text is to be followed?]; (2) exegesis [what does the passage mean?]; (3) lexical study [what are the lexical equivalents in the recipient language]; and (4) syntax [what are the natural syntactic forms into which such an expression may be translated]. View Less

Most errors are not related to a lack of Greek or Hebrew knowledge. Rather, they are (1) mistakes in the choice of words (lexical difficulties); (2) syntax (neglect of indigenous sentence construction); (3) inadequate knowledge of the indigenous language; (4) failure to study indigenous text material; (5) order of words; (5) differences in grammatical categories; and (6) measuring indigenous reaction to incorrect grammatical forms. Suggests several methods for testing a translation. View Less

Discusses the relationship between a translator and their local helper in translation. Prerequisites for a good helper include: (1) good intelligence; (2) appreciation for the gospel message; and (3) thorough knowledge of his own language and culture. The translator must be careful to develop the helper slowly, and explain the work carefully to them. Create an atmosphere of helpful criticism where they mistakes together and react to alternate readings. View Less

Answers three questions. (1) What book of the Bible should be translated first? (2) How large must a tribe be before the Bible Societies will publish for them? Illustrates the answer with the Netherlands Bible Society’s practice in Indonesia. (3) How can one check a translation for consistency? View Less

Surveys the possible meanings of the genitive in English translation using phrases or words other than “of.” Discusses the different kinds of genitives: possessive, subjective, objective, source, material, comparative, temporal and some miscellaneous uses. See Nida, 1950, TBT 1(2): 70–72 for the translation of the genitive in non-English languages. View Less

Surveys the same ground as Greenlee’s article ( 1950, TBT 1(2): 68–70) but from the perspective of non-English languages. View Less

Discusses the terms: children of the bridechamber, son of peace, sons of thunder, son of perdition, grace, and deny himself in Mt. 16:24 (Mk. 8:34). View Less

A literal translation of renderings in another language affords a basis for comparing syntactic and lexical problems. This translation of Mark 1, together with the accompanying notes, provides an insight into many of the complex problems of Balinese. View Less

In addition to innumerable dialects, there are approximately 300 languages in New Guinea. Surveys the history of translation work and the relationship of various societies working there. Contains a list of New Guinea languages in which the at least portions of the Bible have been published and where these languages are spoken. View Less

Discusses the problem of translating key terms into the Kipsigis language of Kenya. Focuses on the terms God, Lord, Demon, Sin and other abstract terms. Illustrates with some descriptive equivalents, and a translation of Romans 10:9–10. View Less

Discusses the problems of translating into Conob, a Mayan language in Guatemala. The primary problems, exclusive of dialectical ones, are orthographic and lexical. Idiom poses the largest problem, particularly in psychological terms and cultural contrasts. View Less