The Bible Translator: Volume 20, Issue 2

As the authors of this article point out, there are serious obstacles to be faced in gaining acceptance for a translation in a sub-standard dialect, or, at least, in that form of speech which a people may consider sub-standard. Missionary translators frequently encounter similar problems, particularly where a translation is done in a dialect or language which is felt by the speakers to serve restricted social purposes. William L. Wonderly in Bible Translation for Popular Use, United Bible Societies, 1968, refers to producer and consumer varieties of language and explains some of the dynamics of the problem exemplified by this article. Since Black English is presently in a position where it might, given the right impulse, be promoted to a recognized form of consumer language, we hope the authors will continue along the lines they have begun and report their findings. Ed. View Less