Exploring the Theory and Practice of Modern Bible Translating: A Selective Overview

Abstract

This paper presents a selective overview of what may be termed “biblical translation studies” from a practitioner’s perspective. The survey begins with a short description of some of the principal types, or styles, of contemporary translation as expressed by leaders in the field, which is a creative art form as well as an experience-based craft. Next, the practice of translation is defined and a method of applying it is described with special reference to a “literary functional equivalence” (LiFE) version along with the main media whereby it may be communicated. The various factors involved in establishing an effective translation project are considered in terms of a particular audience-related purpose, or skopos, and from the perspective of a frames of reference model. This is illustrated by several examples from Chichewa, a southeast Africa Bantu language of wider communication. In conclusion, the salient ideas of this study are summarized by suggesting how the different aspects of contemporary Bible translating may be applied by readers in their own lives and professional practice.