The Bible Translator: Volume 8, Issue 3

Deals with the problem of translation from the two viewpoints of original meaning and accuracy of rendering. Indicates the necessity of understanding the inter-relationship between meaning as it exists in the mind of the originator of the thought and meaning in the mind of the receptor in the light of the cultural context of each. This involves the problems of intention and response based upon the cultural background of the participants in communication. Illustrates the problem with a discussion of the translation of such phrases as, “The Kingdom of Heaven” and “The Kingdom of God;” “the just shall live by faith;” and “Melchizedek without father or mother.” View Less

Sets forth four principles for translating figures of speech, using figures of speech of the Chol, a Mayan language of northern Mexico, as an example. Treats the reduction of metaphor to simile, biblical metaphor to indigenous metaphor, metaphor to non metaphor, and the retention of difficult metaphors. View Less

The second part, Conducting a Dialect Survey, of a two part discussion of the subject. Sets forth some principles involved: the forming of hypotheses, the assessing of linguistic information, the screening of informants, and the gathering of pertinent data. A survey should include a comparative analysis of dialects, a consideration of the phonemic and grammatical systems, and a comparison of the differences between words. Indicates the importance and method of charting and mapping differences in dialects (illustrated with diagram). Cites some areas in which such data may be used, and shows the importance of recording and preserving the results. View Less

Classifies the versions of the N.T. into three main groups and characterizes each. Elaborates upon two objections to the establishment an original Greek text from the versions. However, indicates that the versions can serve as “aids” in determining whether in specific cases a Greek variant arose through the influence of translation. View Less

An analysis of a translation of the first chapter of St. Luke by Sr. Romman Diaz into the Huichol, a simple Spanish dialect of the people of the southern Sierra Madre Occidental Mts. of Mexico. Indicates the difficulties and untrustworthiness of a non-technical translation of a vernacular speaker in a trade language version. View Less