The Bible Translator: Volume 23, Issue 3

Discussion of the 3 principal theories of language structure which influence Bible translating: (1) Tagmemics, the idea of K. L. Pike, influencing the 500 translations being done by Wycliffe now. Based on a view of slots in the grammar and works or units which fill the slots. (2) Stratificational grammar, the position of Sydney Lamb at Yale and H. A. Gleason of the U. of Toronto. Focus on the levels of language and involves a cumbersome analysis. (3) Generative-transformational grammar, the view of Noam Chomsky and the author which makes a distinction between language performance and language competence, and stresses the set of rules which makes it possible for one to construct well-formed sentences and to interpret them. View Less

Stresses the importance of understanding the underlying structure of communication in order to translate. Discusses the three basic elements of communication: source, message and receptor, to which one might add, medium and feedback as a prelude to the use of communication, as information, expression, imperatival function and contact function, View Less

Defines language variety, 25,000 languages in the world, with 98% of the world speaking about 600 languages. Distinguishes 5 distinct levels of language usage spoken by an urbanized society, noticing that dialect may reflect socio-economic status, and that certain dialects may elicit judgments. The problem of translation involves not only finding corresponding words, but the correct effect of a tone, or dialect. View Less

When the whole Bible is translated into an African language, renewal and independence occurs. But formal translations encourage the reader to become otherworldly and adopt unworldly modes of thinking. The reformers and Wesley did for their generation what Godspell and Jesus Christ Superstar are doing for ours. New Bible translations will change the church. View Less

In classical and NT Greek this is usually the conjunction of purpose, but by the 3rd century BC an imperatival usage was prominent. Argues that in 19 instances in the NT, translation of hina as an imperative gives the best sense. View Less

In some languages the passive voice carries a meaning of its own, exemplified in Thai, where the passive voice has a negative sense. In Biblical languages they have no special meaning. To indicate the effect in Thai, one might: (1) turn passives denoting pleasure into active voice; (2) continue to use passive, being sensitive to when displeasure will be indicated; (3) use passive to get idea of unpleasant feeling when translating active voice. View Less

A review of the 1968 Estonian Bible, based upon a 1938 translation of the NT and Psalms, with an uneven style, particularly in Psalms. Raises question of why the committee worked under such hard conditions with so many good translations available in other languages. Suggestions of improvement included: (1) a retranslation of the Psalms; (2) collaboration with poets and writers; (3) provision of an introduction to the Bible. View Less