Towards a participatory approach to Bible translation (PABT)

 

 

D.O. Chemorion

Lecturer in Biblical Studies and Bible Translation, St. Paul's University, Limuru, Kenya, and Research Associate, Department of Old and New Testament, Stellenbosch University. E-mail: dchosefu@stpaulslimuru.ac.ke

 

 

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ABSTRACT

It is generally acknowledged that the participation of the receptor community may enhance the community's ownership and acceptability of the translation. In spite of this acknowledgement, individuals and organisations engaged in mother tongue translations of the Bible often involve the members of the receptor community in secondary and non-technical aspects of the translation process. Crucial decisions regarding the nature of the translation are often made by the translation team without adequate input from the community. Part of the reason for non-involvement of the receptor communities in the technical aspects of Bible translation has been the lack of an adequate theoretical framework that explains how the community may fit in the translation process. On the basis of Christiane Nord's functionalist model of translation, this article proposes a "Participatory approach to Bible Translation (PABT)" as a strategy that can be applied to involve the receptor community in technical aspects of the translation.

Keywords: Bible translation, Receptor communities, Participatory approach, Model of translation

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Trefwoorde: Bybelvertaling, Ontvangergemeenskappe, Deelnemende benadering, Vertaalmodel

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BIBLIOGRAPHY

Chemorion, D.C. 2008. Translating Jonah's narration and poetry into Sabaot: Towards a participatory approach to Bible translation. Unpublished Dissertation. University of Stellenbosch.         [ Links ]

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Wendland, E.R. 2002. Towards a literary translation of the Scriptures with special reference to a poetic rendition. In: J.A. Naudé & C.H.J. van der Merwe (eds.), Contemporary translation studies and Bible translation: A South African perspective. Acta Theologica, Supplementum 2 (Bloemfontein: University of the Free State), pp. 164-201.         [ Links ]

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1 This article is adapted from Dr. D.C. Chemorion's dissertation that was submitted for the award of Doctor of Theology at Stellenbosch University. Cf. Chemorion (2008).