The Bible Translator: Volume 8, Issue 1

Although the evidence at hand is incomplete the Qumran scrolls delineate some broad principles which will aid the translator in determining the best biblical text. Three principles are cited: (1) The scrolls confirm the reliability of the Massoretic text, thereby adding almost a thousand years to the antiquity of the Hebrew text; (2) they verify the Septuagint as a textual authority; (3) they provide evidence of the value and reliability of the scrolls in regard to variant readings. View Less

A history of the translations of the Bible into the Thai language, and an analysis of the present text indicating a need for revision. Sets forth the procedures for such a revision, and the principles to be followed. View Less

Indicates the close relationship between hymn writing and Bible translation. Cites some of the difficulties and problems involved in translating hymns. Refers to a syllabus by the author on Hymn Writing in Aboriginal Languages. View Less

Deals with the problem of “possession” in Polynesian grammar as an example of certain difficulties translators encounter in any translation work. Divides possessives in Polynesian into two classes: the partitive and the agentive. Indicates the complexities found in other categories of possession, and the subtle implications which may be involved in certain grammatical distinctions. View Less

A discussion of the difficulties encountered in translating from one language to another. Indicates the importance of experiencing the feelings and knowing how to express them in both languages, and that at best there can only be an approximation of the original expression. The art of translating goes beyond grammatical forms and sentence patterns, and must always convey feelings and attitudes. View Less

Report on the first translator’s conference in Formosa. These conferences have become an important medium for the exchange of ideas. View Less

Points out the significance of the rediscovery of the Bible as “the people’s book” as an outcome of the Reformation, and the necessity of continuing the work of revising the translations of the Scripture for every generation. As a case in point traces the history of the translation of the Bible into one of the first languages of the East Tamil; and the subsequent efforts put forth to make new translations coordinating the work that had been done up to the present time. View Less

Sets forth the complexity of the problem of framing a policy for Bible translation where there is a multiplicity of languages such as, West Africa. Discusses the advantages and disadvantages of a policy of concentrating upon one major language to include the numerous dialects. View Less

Reviews Principles and Problems of Biblical Translation by W. Schwarz. The work traces the development and use of the inspirational principle where the translation is considered basically as revelation and thus is equal in value to the original text, and the philological principle which is characterized by a rigorous study of the original texts together with serious consideration of patterns and idiomatic expressions of the language into which the translation is made. View Less