The Bible Translator: Volume 31, Issue 3

The need for the BT journal will remain. Translators will more likely be nationals translating into their mother tongue. Less formal educational backgrounds may require more explanatory articles. Articles will focus on translation needs of special audiences (new readers, blind, etc.), on preparation of supplementary helps for readers, and on technological advances in translation tools such as the computer. View Less

(1) Increasing distribution of Bible selections reflects modern audiences and is consistent with Bible Society goals that the Bible be read, not merely distributed. (2) Dynamic-equivalence translation is still a priority. (3) Publishers must choose selections with care, aware that the selection process results in a form of preaching. (4) Preaching via publishing of selections requires skills in written communication and audience analysis. (5) Selections must be presented as a means of acquainting readers with the Bible as an entirety. View Less

Physical noise and psychological noise (such as prejudice) are analogous in preventing a person from understanding a message. Both can be overcome through redundancy in the message. Entropy and semantic entropy are also analogous. Both are lowered by the unexpectedness principle where the recipient of an unpredictable message must expend greater energy to decipher the meaning of that message. Examples are given from the Gospel of John. View Less

Seven examples from Scripture illustrate the benefits of biblical archaeology in specific translation problems. View Less

Introductory materials may include (1) an explanation of why the translation was done, (2) statements citing the significance of the Bible for modern times, and (3) historical, cultural and literary considerations. Selection of 1, 2, and/or 3 must be based on the needs of potential readers of the translation. View Less

Long sentences, heavy grammatical structures, ecclesiastical language, ambiguities of pronominal antecedents, lack of discourse continuity, shifts in language level and other factors interfere with readability in the NIV. Some revisions in the 1978 edition have deepened the problem. View Less