Journal of Translation
Issue 5(1)
Journal of Translation 5(1) (2009)
Editor's Comments
by David Frank
This issue of the Journal of Translation follows a theme. We have two substantial articles, both dealing with Bible translation, both dealing with the signficance of culture in Bible translation, both from an African perspective. One author, Ernst Wendland, continues a discussion of "the cultural factor in Bible translation" that he first started to develop forty years ago. Both authors indicate that they have more to say, to develop the themes they are discussing here. Additionally, we have a substantial book review, which...
Bible translation is inherently a communication event originating in a historical language and culture. Recipients of translated Scriptures interpret this historical text through their language and cultural grid. They have cultural practices, material culture, beliefs, values, a worldview, image schemas, etc., that can assist or compromise their ability to properly understand the Bible. This work addresses the challenge to translators and translation consultants to more readily identify translation issues that are rooted in the target culture such that they may be further researched and...
I was first made aware of the crucial cultural factor in Bible translation during a three-week TAPOT workshop led by Eugene Nida at Makerere University (Kampala, Uganda) in 1969. After benefitting then from five years of apprenticeship training under another one of the old masters, Jacob A. Loewen, my official United Bible Societies consultancy work in Zambia began on June 23, 1977. Ten years later I felt confident enough to put down some of my thoughts on the subject of The Cultural Factor in Bible Translation in the UBS Monograph (#2) title of that name. However, that book had a...