Translation technique and the reconstruction of texts¹

Johann Cook

University of Stellenbosch

ABSTRACT

This article argues that, because of the complicated history of origin and transmission histories of texts, more avenues need to be pursued than only primary textual witnesses in the task of textual criticism. It argues that the translation technique followed by individual translators is basic to such endeavours. It uses the Septuagint version of Proverbs as a case study and demonstrates that stylistic and translation technical considerations should be taken into account in addition to, or in conjunction with, any 'hard textual evidence' in the reconstruction of texts.

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BIBLIOGRAPHY

Cook, J. 1997a. Contrasting as a Translation Technique, in Evans C. A. & Talmon S., (eds.), From Tradition to Interpretation: Studies in Intertextuality in Honor of James A. Sanders. Leiden: EJ Brill, 403-414.         [ Links ]

Cook, J. 1997. The Septuagint of Proverbs - Jewish and/or Hellenistic Proverbs? (concerning the Hellenistic colouring of LXX Proverbs). Leiden: Brill. (VTS 69.         [ Links ])

Cook, J. 2000. Textual problems in the Septuagint of Proverbs. JNSL 26/1 (2000), 163-173.         [ Links ]

Cook, J. 2001. Ideology and Translation Technique: Two Sides of the Same Coin?, in R. Sollamo & S. Sipilá (eds), Helsinki Perspectives on the Translation Technique of the Septuagint, 195-210. Helsinki: Finnish Exegetical Society/ Göttingen: Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht.         [ Links ]

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¹ I should like to thank Arie van der Kooij for reading earlier drafts of this contribution. Johann Cook, Department of Ancient Studies, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag xi, 7602, MATIELAND.