SIL International Publications

Additional Resources for Bible Translation: An Introductory Course in Translation Principles

Cover Bible Translation 4th Edition

Bible Translation: An Introductory Course in Translation Principles (BT4), from internationally regarded author, Katharine Barnwell, has been a standard in Bible translation courses worldwide for many years. This fourth edition offers more information and more resources than ever before.

SIL is happy to provide additional online resources to facilitate your study and understanding of the concepts taught in the BT4 course. These resources are supplemental to the latest edition of this textbook. Teachers and students alike are welcome to use this page.

Links are provided to PDF documents and PPTX files (Microsoft PowerPoint Open XML presentation). These are numbered according to the chapter of the textbook to which they relate. Suggestions for optional further reading are included for certain chapters — some of these references have links enabling the user to view this item online.

The textbook and Teacher’s Manual are available at Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble.com, and other online distributors in your area. There you can also read more about the books and the author.


Resources

Resources are listed at the end of each chapter of the BT4 textbook under these headings:

  • BT4 online materials” — PowerPoints and documents that are oriented to the lesson being taught in the BT4 chapter. The number at the beginning of the title of each PowerPoint or document corresponds to the chapter in the textbook to which the item relates. These resources can be downloaded and shared.
  • “Websites,” “Videos” — Links to websites that are relevant to the topic of that chapter.
  • “For Further Reading” — Suggestions for more advanced reading on the topic of that chapter. Some resources include links to access those items online.

Some of these resources are available on Translator’s Workplace, located in LOGOS Bible Software. Translator’s Workplace is available to those who qualify as eligible translators or translation personnel (see https://www.sil.org/resources/publications/tw/faq for qualifications).

How to access the resources

In the BT4  textbook chapters are arranged in 7 parts. For example, Part 1 comprises chapters 1 to 9;  Part 2 comprises chapters 10 to 20. See the list under the heading Contents below.   

  1. Click on the part that contains the chapter you need.
  2. Then scroll down to click on the chapter you need, thus opening a list of all the resources available for that chapter.
  3. Then select the title of the resource you need.

 

Viewing and Downloading the PowerPoint presentations

To view the contents of a presentation in your web browser, click the link to open the .pptx file. It may take a minute or so to open. NOTE: Viewing the presentations in this way may result in some text and image distortions.

For an alternative way to view the content of a presentation click on the corresponding file with a “.pdf” extension that follows the “.pptx” file. PDFs will not have any image or text distortions, but are for viewing only and are not editable.

For optimal viewing, the PowerPoint presentations should be downloaded and viewed in PowerPoint.

To download onto your computer, open the .pptx file. Once the file is opened, click on “download” in the top right-hand corner. The file will download to a Downloads folder on your computer. From there you can move it to another location on your computer. This will make the files accessible even when no internet connection is available.

If you do not have PowerPoint installed on your computer, you can click this link to download and install a free Microsoft PowerPoint Viewer. You will need to create an account, but this will allow you to view, customize, and share the presentations.

 Contents

Part 1: Translation Principles

Chapter 1: What is translation?
Chapter 2: Different styles of translation

PDF

2_On_different_kinds_of_translation.pdf


PowerPoints

2_Comparing_two_kinds_of_translation.pptx     2_Comparing_two_kinds_of_translation.pdf

2_The_goal_of_translation.pptx     2_The_goal_of_translation.pdf


For Further Reading

Beekman, John, and John Callow. 1974. Translating the Word of God: With Scripture and topical indexes. Grand Rapids: Zondervan. Also accessible on Translator’s Workplace.

de Waard, Jan, and Eugene A. Nida. 1986. From one language to another: Functional equivalence in Bible translating. Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers.

Hope, Edward R. 1997. Redefining a functional theory of translation. Current Trends in Scripture Translation, UBS Bulletin 182/183:7–19.

Nida, Eugene A., and Charles R. Taber. 1969. The theory and practice of translation. Leiden: E. J. Brill for the United Bible Societies. Originally published in the series, Helps for Translators 8. Reprinted 1974 and 1982. Fourth impression 2003.

Nida, Eugene A. 1979. Translating means communicating: a sociolinguistic theory of translation, parts 1 and 2. The Bible Translator 30(1):101–107 and 30(3):318–325: http://www.ubs-translations.org/tbt/1979/01/TBT197901.html?num=&num1=101&x=14&y=17  and  http://www.ubs-translations.org/tbt/1979/03/TBT197903.html?num=318&x=0&y=0&num1=

Wendland, Ernst R. 2002. A literary-rhetorical approach to biblical text analysis and translation. In Timothy Wilt (ed.), Bible translation: Frames of reference, 179-230. Manchester, UK: St. Jerome Publishing.

Wendland, Ernst R. 2004. Translating the literature of Scripture: A literary-rhetorical approach to Bible translation. Publications in Translation and Textlinguistics 1. Dallas: SIL International.

Wendland, Ernst R. 2018. Literary functional equivalence translation. Accessed February 15, 2019. For those who have registered with Academia.edu, this is accessible at https://www.academia.edu/3168198/_Literary_Functional_Equivalence_LiFE_Translation–A_Brief_Description.

Wilt, Timothy, ed. (2002) 2014. Bible translation: Frames of reference. Manchester, UK: St. Jerome Publishing. Republished, London: Routledge.

Zogbo, Lynell, and Ernst R. Wendland. 2000. Hebrew poetry in the Bible: A guide for understanding and for translating. Helps for Translators. New York: United Bible Societies. Accessible on Translator’s Workplace.

Return to Contents

Chapter 3: Some English translations of the Bible

Websites

Brunn, Dave. 2015. Form and function in Bible translation: Where theory meets practice. Journal for Baptist Theology and Ministry 12(1):3–19. https://www.nobts.edu/baptist-center-theology/journals/journals/JBTM_12-1_Spring_2015.pdf#page=6

Gray, David. 2018. A history of Bible translation. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tWtWvVmSuSHbEQI2-7_2umJZ1pxOL4peLhXZObl4kk4/edit.

Jeffcoat III, John L. 2013. English Bible history. http://www.greatsite.com/timeline-english-bible-history/index.html. There is a summary timeline at the end of the paper.

Important information and resources for learning biblical languages

In translating Scripture, the original Hebrew, Aramaic or Greek text is, of course, always the overruling authority.  See the statement at the end of chapter 3 in BT4 (page 22). Translators are strongly encouraged to learn the biblical languages and should be given every opportunity to do so. Resources for learning biblical languages can be found at LOGOS Bible Software, including: Rocine, B. M. (2000). Learning Biblical Hebrew: a new approach using discourse analysis. Macon, GA: Smyth & Helwys Pub. You will need to register with a new account with Logos or sign it to your existing account to access this resource.

Jerusalem Center for Bible Translators www.bibletranslators.org

Institute of Biblical Languages and Translation www.biblicallanguagecenter.com (Dr. Randy Buth)

Subscribe to Aleph with Beth on YouTube: https://youtube.com/AlephwithBeth (An excellent supplement to more traditional grammatical study).


Videos

Brake, Donald. History of Bible translation. This can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Af4Q_PGYTd0.

Brunn, Dave. 2013. One Bible, many versions: Are all translations created equal?. Downers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity Press. This video by Dave Brunn can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxwYK2duyPg.

How the Bible came to us, subtitled The Bible: Mankind’s Oldest Modern Book. This can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnBqhyQklU0.


For Further Reading

Brunn, Dave. 2015. Form and function in Bible translation: Where theory meets practice. Journal for Baptist Theology and Ministry 12(1):3–19. Accessed April 25:2019. http://www.baptistcenter.net/journals/JBTM_12-1_Spring_2015.pdf.

Metzger, Bruce. 2001. The Bible in translation: Ancient and English versions. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic.

Wendland, Paul. 2018. Bible translations for the 21st century: Formal and functional equivalence in Bible translation. Bjarne Wollan Teigen Reformation Lectures: Lecture II. Accessed April 25, 2019. For those who have registered with Academia.edu, this is accessible at https://www.academia.edu/3782915/Bible_Translations_for_the_21st_Century_Formal_and_Functional_Equivalence_in_Bible_Translation.

Return to Contents

Chapter 4: More about meaning-based translation
Chapter 5: Qualities of a good translation

Power Points

5_Qualities_of_a_good_translation.pptx     5_Qualities_of_a_good_translation.pdf

5_Qualities_of_good_translation-Poster.pptx     5_Qualities_of_good_translation-Poster.pdf


Website

Forum of Bible Agencies International: https://forum-intl.org.

The Forum of Bible Agencies International is a partnership of international organisations involved in Bible translation. Their website opens with the following statement:

The Forum of Bible Agencies International…exists to promote collaboration and cooperation amongst Bible Agencies with a shared vision of working together to maximise the access and impact of God’s word.

A joint statement titled “Basic Principles and Procedures for Bible Translation” was agreed to and approved by member agencies in 1999, updated in 2006 and again in April 2017. The April 2017 version includes principles to be observed in sign language translations.

This statement can be viewed at https://forum-intl.org/resources/ under the “Translation Standards” option and is also available on Translator’s Workplace.


For Further Reading

Barnwell, Katharine. 1983. Towards acceptable translations. Notes on Translation 95:19–25.

Dooley, Robert A. 1989. Style and acceptability. The Guaraní New Testament. Notes on Translation 3(1):49–57.

Gross, Carl. 2003. Acceptability—The supreme translation principle? The Bible Translator 54(4):424–434.

The Bible Translator is the quarterly journal of the United Bible Societies. The complete text for vols. 1–51 (1950–2012) can be viewed at http://www.ubs-translations.org/bt/archives_1950_2012/. Recent issues (classified as “Technical Papers” and “Practical Papers”) can be ordered by individual subscription through Sage journals at https://journals.sagepub.com/home/tbt. See the website http://www.ubs-translations.org/bt/ for further information on accessing articles online.

Notes on Translation was published by SIL International until 2005. Articles can be viewed on Translator’s Workplace.

In 2005, SIL International began to publish the Journal of Translation (online only). The website https://www.sil.org/resources/publications/jot gives further information on this journal. Currently the Journal of Translation is published without subscription one or more times per year by SIL International. Articles are published in the form of PDF files that may be freely downloaded.

Another website of interest, recently developed under the auspices of the United Bible Societies, is the Translation Insights and Perspectives tool accessible at https://tips.translation.bible. The tool collects and presents stories about specific translations of the biblical text. An introduction to the program can be viewed at https://vimeo.com/359167436/acb88959ed. Note: This website is not private and may be susceptible to hacking.

Return to Contents

Chapter 6: Towards naturalness – beginning to explore the receptor language

PowerPoints

6_Audio_and_visual_productions.pptx     6_Audio_and_visual_productions.pdf    

6_How_to_craft_stories.pptx     6_How_to_craft_stories.pdf       


For Further Reading

Brown, Rick. 2004. Communicating God’s Message in an oral culture. International Journal of Frontier Missions 21(3):122–128. Available online at
http://www.ijfm.org/PDFs_IJFM/21_3_PDFs/122_Brown.pdf.

Cohen Ioannides, Mara W. 2013. Translator as storyteller: A study of the book of Esther. Journal of Translation 9(1):23–29. https://www.sil.org/system/files/reapdata/91/67/66/91676677326708871902771171263823381569/siljot2013_1_03.pdf.

de Vries, Lourens. 2000. Bible Translation and Primary Orality. The Bible Translator 51(1):101–113: http://www.ubs-translations.org/tbt/2000/01/TBT200001.html?num=&num1=101&x=15&y=5

Franklin, Karl. 2018. Comparing the processes of Bible translation and Bible storytelling. GIALens 12(1). http://www.diu.edu/documents/gialens/Vol12-1/Franklin-Comparing-BT-and-Storytelling.pdf.

Kelly, Brian. 2018. Preliminary questions to consider when looking at an oral translation approach. GIALens 12(1). http://www.diu.edu/documents/gialens/Vol12-1/Kelly-Preliminary-Questions.pdf.

Sim, R. J., and E. Korhonen. 1984. Frequency of verbs: Is our translation natural? The Bible Translator 35(2):224–229. http://www.ubs-translations.org/bt/archives_1950_2012/.

Thomas, Elaine. 1984. How to increase naturalness in translation by mother-tongue translators. Notes on Translation 106:6–9.

Maxey, James A. 2009. From orality to orality: A new paradigm for contextual translation of the Bible. Biblical Performance Criticism 2. Eugene: Cascade Books.

Wendland, Ernst R. 2013. Orality and the Scriptures: Composition, translation, and transmission. Publications in Translation and Textlinguistics 6. Dallas: SIL International.

Return to Contents

Chapter 7: How we communicate with one another

PowerPoint

7_How_we_communicate.pptx     7_How_we_communicate.pdf


Websites

Dooley, Robert A. 2008. Relevance theory and discourse analysis: Complementary approaches for translator training. GIALens 2(3). https://www.diu.edu/documents/gialens/Vol2-3/Dooley-Relevance-theory.pdf.


Videos

Pattemore, Stephen. Translation is communication. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbLPzNmyZVI.

Pattemore, Stephen. A quick guide to relevance theory – Introducing some technical terms. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VAwro8BPPbM.


For Further Reading

The following publications explain the principles of Relevance Theory, a perception of communication that focuses on the understanding of the receptor audience.

Gutt, Ernst-August. 2000. Translation and relevance: Cognition and context. Second edition. Manchester, UK: St. Jerome Publishing. Reprint, London: Routledge, 2014.

Hill, Harriet, Ernst-August Gutt, Margaret Hill, Christoph Unger, and Rick Floyd. 2011. Bible translation basics: Communicating Scripture in a relevant way. Dallas: SIL International.

Kerr, Glenn J. 2011. Dynamic equivalence and its daughters: Placing Bible translation theories in their historical context. Journal of Translation 7(1):1–19. This can be accessed at https://www.sil.org/system/files/reapdata/77/94/02/77940241319795795123525485356849279212/siljot2011_1_01.pdf.

Sperber, Dan, and Deirdre Wilson. 1995. Relevance: Communication and cognition. Second edition. Oxford/Cambridge: Blackwell Publishers.

Wendland, Ernst R. 2014. Contextual frames of reference in translation: A coursebook for Bible translators and teachers. London: Routledge.

Return to Contents

Chapter 8: Communicating across cultures and across time

PowerPoint

8_Communicating_full_meaning-Ibaloi.pptx      8_Communicating_full_meaning-Ibaloi.pdf     


For Further Reading

Carson, D. A. 1987. The limits of dynamic equivalence in Bible translation. Notes on Translation 121:1–15.

Carson, D. A. 2003. The limits of functional equivalence in Bible translation – and other limits too. In Glen G. Scorgie, Mark L. Strauss, and Steven M. Voth (eds.), The challenge of Bible translation: Communicating God’s word to the world, 65-113. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

Gutt, Ernst-August. (2000) 2014. Translation and relevance: Cognition and context. Second edition. Manchester, UK: St. Jerome Publishing. Reprint, London: Routledge.

Hill, Harriet. 2006. The Bible at cultural crossroads: From translation to communication. Manchester, UK: St. Jerome Publishing.

Nida, Eugene A., and Charles R. Taber. 1969. The theory and practice of translation. Leiden: E. J. Brill for the United Bible Societies. Originally published in the series Helps for Translators 8. Reprinted 1974 and 1982. Fourth impression 2003.

Wendland, Ernst R. 1987. The cultural factor in Bible translation: A study of communicating the Word of God in a central African cultural context. UBS Monograph Series 2. London: United Bible Societies.

Return to Contents

Chapter 9: More about cross-cultural communication

PDF

For information on Wonderful Plan of God selections, see the document 9_Wonderful_Plan_of_God-Summary_and_selections-2019.pdf.

Formatted copies of the Wonderful Plan of God selections, with illustrations, are available to view on Translator’s Workplace. Search for “Wonderful Plan of God” in the library menu and follow the jump links in that file to view each of the booklets in the series.



Website

Additional information on Bible modules can be viewed at https://lingtran.net/Example+Modules.


Video

The video How to use Bible modules in Paratext, prepared by Darcie Drymon, demonstrating the Paratext tool that is available for formatting these Wonderful Plan of God selections as booklets. This can be viewed at https://vimeo.com/185916082.


Return to Contents

Part 2: Translation Procedures

Chapter 10: A ten-step procedure in translation
Chapter 11: Step 1: Exegesis – discovering the meaning of the source text

Finding the Information

The New International Version Study Bible, published by Zondervan, provides a helpful introduction at the beginning of each Bible book. This includes background information about the author, the date of writing, and the situation at the time that the book was written. It also provides an outline displaying the main divisions and parts of the book. This helps the reader gain an overview of the whole book that will help in understanding, and translating, the smaller units and details of the book.

Other sources of information

  • Introductory information in the UBS Translator’s Handbooks or Translator’s Notes and other helps available on Paratext or Translator’s Workplace.
  • The book introductions in the Good News Translation or the Contemporary English Version.
  • If geographical locations are mentioned, look at a map of the area concerned; for example, maps found at the back of the NIV Study Bible.
  • Oasis International. 2016. Africa Study Bible, NLT. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers. “The Africa Study Bible combines the New Living Translation with study tools that reflect uniquely African insights and experiences.”
  • Halley, Henry H. 2014. Halley’s Bible handbook, classic edition: Completely revised and expanded edition. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

PDF

11_Exegesis-Procedures_in_brief-Handout.pdf


PowerPoints

11_Exegesis-Introduction.pptx     11_Exegesis-Introduction.pdf

11_Exegesis-Resources_for_Bible_translation.pptx      11_Exegesis-Resources_for_Bible_translation.pdf

11_Exegesis-Translating_poetry.pptx      11_Exegesis-Translating_poetry.pdf


Websites

Carson, Don A. 2016. Rightly dividing the Word of God. Video presentation at SS Gospel Centre, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia, July 2016. View at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHjD0TuuOmk.

Faith Comes By Hearing – A website to explore: https://www.faithcomesbyhearing.com/.

For audio recordings of Scripture, see https://www.faithcomesbyhearing.com/audio-bible-resources/bible-is OR https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/audio/.

YouVersion has audio Bible versions in 15 English versions and more than 900 other languages. These are available online and as an app at https://www.bible.com. See https://www.bible.com/audio-bible-app-versions for the full list of languages.


For Further Reading

Fee, Gordon D., and Douglas Stuart. 2014. How to read the Bible for all its worth. Fourth edition. Grand Rapids: Zondervan. Also available to view in Translator’s Workplace.

The PowerPoint "Exegesis-Translating_poetry" recommends: Wendland, Ernst. April 2019 (updated). Analyzing and translating Biblical poetry. For those registered with Academia.edu this can be viewed at: https://www.academia.edu/19517819/Analyzing_
and Translating_Biblical_Poetry

Return to Contents

Chapter 12: Step 2: Making the first draft

PDF

12_Chart_to_track_translation_progress.pdf

Paratext now includes a tool for tracking “Assignments and Progress”, with facility to adapt this to the requirements of SIL, Seed Company, or other translation organizations.


PowerPoints

12_Drafting_and_oral_retelling.pptx     12_Drafting_and_oral_retelling.pdf

12_More_about_drafting_a_translation.pptx     12_More_about_drafting_a_translation.pdf

12_Using_adaptation_to_make_a_first_draft.pptx     12_Using_adaptation_to_make_a_first_draft.pdf


Websites

Adapt It (computer program): https://adapt-it.org/.

Oral Bible Translation with Render (software for Oral Bible translation): http://www.renderpartners.com/.

Scripture App Builder: https://software.sil.org/scriptureappbuilder/.


For Further Reading

Wendland, Ernst R. 2013. Orality and the Scriptures: Composition, translation, and transmission. Publications in Translation and Textlinguistics 6. Dallas: SIL International.

Return to Contents

Chapter 13: Keyboarding the translation – an introduction to the Paratext program
Chapter 14: Step 3: Supplementary helps – Book introductions and section headings

PDFs

14_Bible_book_introductions.pdf

14_Section_headings_in_Ruth-Comparing_versions.pdf


PowerPoints

14_Supplementary_helps_1-About_extra-textual_helps.pptx     14_Supplementary_helps_1-About_extra-textual_helps.pdf

14_Supplementary_helps_2-Book_introductions.pptx     14_Supplementary_helps_2-Book_introductions.pdf

14_Supplementary_helps_3-Section_headings.pptx     14_Supplementary_helps_3-Section_headings.pdf


For Further Reading

Barnwell, Katharine. 1994. Supplementary helps in Scripture publications. Notes on Translation 8(2):8–13.

Clark, David J., and Christer Asberg. 2006. Section headings: Purposes and problems. The Bible Translator 57(4):194–202.

Fry, Euan M. 1983. The use and value of section headings. The Bible Translator 34(2):235–239: http://www.ubs-translations.org/tbt/1983/02/TBT198302.html?seq=37

Hoover, Joseph. 2008. Parable of the lamp: A dysfunctional section heading. The Bible Translator 59(4):190–194.

Loewen, Jacob A. 1985. A new look at section headings. The Bible Translator 36(2):237–241: http://www.ubs-translations.org/tbt/1985/02/TBT198502.html?num=237&x=0&y=0&num1=

van Klinken-Rijneveld, Liesbeth. 2007. On the purpose of section headings: A functional approach. The Bible Translator 58(4):191–200.

Wendland, Ernst R. 1993. On preparing a reader-friendly format: With emphasis on section headings. Notes on Translation 7(3):13–27.

Wendland, Ernst R. 2018. Literary functional equivalence translation. Accessed February 15, 2019. For those who have registered with Academia.edu, this is accessible at https://www.academia.edu/3168198/_Literary_Functional_Equivalence_LiFE_Translation–A_Brief_Description.

Zogbo, Lynell. 1990. Writing introductions to the books of the Bible. The Bible Translator 41(2):228-230: http://www.ubs-translations.org/tbt/1990/02/TBT199002.html?num=228&x=0&y=0&num1=

Return to Contents

Chapter 15: Step 3 continued: Supplementary helps – Footnotes, cross-references, parallel passages, glossary, illustrations, maps, and more

Biblical Illustrations

Illustrations by Horace Knowles and Louise Bass © 1954, 1967, 1972 by The British and Foreign Bible Society. Amendments and additions by Louise Bass © 1994 by The British and Foreign Bible Society.

David C. Cook, © David C. Cook Publishing Co. Obtain permissions from the publisher’s website at https://davidccook.org/david-c-cook/permissions/.

Darwin Dunham illustrations, © United Bible Societies, Africa Regional Centre, Nairobi, Kenya.

Graham Wade illustrations, United Bible Societies, Africa Regional Centre, Nairobi, Kenya.

The website http://fmosoft.com/ gives accesss to copyright-free maps and other resources.


Power Points

15_Supplementary_helps_4-Illustrations_and_maps.pptx     15_Supplementary_helps_4-Illustrations_and_maps.pdf

15_Supplementary_helps_5-Footnotes_glossary_parallel-passages.pptx     15_Supplementary_helps_5-Footnotes_glossary_parallel-passages.pdf


For Footnotes, Cross-References, Parallel Passages, Glossary, Illustrations, Maps, and More

For more information, consult the publications department of the Bible translation organization to which your project is attached, or contact .


For Further Reading

Barnwell, Katharine. 1990. Choosing illustrations for Scripture publications. Notes on Translation 4(2):2–17.

Blight, Richard C. 2005. Footnotes for meaningful translations of the New Testament. Journal of Translation 1(1). Can be viewed at https://www.sil.org/resources/publications/jot/1.1. See also https://www.sil.org/resources/publications/entry/40266.

Blight, Richard C., and Katharine Barnwell. 1999. Supplementary information for Scripture publications. Dallas: SIL International. Available on Translator’s Workplace.

Blight, Richard C., and Katharine Barnwell. 2005. How to prepare a glossary and a topical index. Dallas: SIL International. Available on Translator’s Workplace.

Return to Contents

Chapter 16: Step 4: The team check
Chapter 17: Step 5: Testing the translation with the receptor community

PDFs

17_Checking_concert_experiment.pdf

17_Reviewers-Their_role_and_contribution.pdf

17_Testing_questions-Luke_10_25-37.pdf


PowerPoints

17_Testing_1-Why_test.pptx     17_Testing_1-Why_test.pdf

17_Testing_2-Tell-it-again.pptx     17_Testing_2-Tell-it-again.pdf

17_Testing_3-Asking_questions.pptx     17_Testing_3-Asking_questions.pdf

17_Testing_4-More_ways_to_test.pptx     17_Testing_4-More_ways_to_test.pdf

17_Testing_5-Tips_on_testing.pptx     17_Testing_5-Tips_on_testing.pdf

17_Testing_6-Genre_questions.pptx     17_Testing_6-Genre_questions.pdf


Websites

The programs HearThis or the Scripture App Builder are available on these websites: https://software.sil.org/hearthis/ and https://software.sil.org/scriptureappbuilder/.


For Further Reading

Iyoku, Samuel. 1977. Check the Word. The Bible Translator 28(4):404–407: http://www.ubs-translations.org/tbt/1977/04/TBT197704.html?num=404&x=0&y=0&num1=

Loewen, Jacob A. 1972. Criticism can be helpful. The Bible Translator 23(2):234–240: http://www.ubs-translations.org/tbt/1972/02/TBT197202.html?num=234&x=0&y=0&num1=

SIL Africa Area Translation Department. 1985. How to use testing questions for testing translation. Africa Area Translation Aids 5. Nairobi: SIL International. Available on Translator’s Workplace.

Return to Contents

Chapter 18: Step 6: Preparing for the consultant check – how to make a back-translation
Chapter 19: Step 7: Checking the translation with a consultant

PDF

19_The_role_and_function_of_a_translation_consultant.pdf (also available to view in A Handbook for Translation Consultants, in Translator’s Workplace).


PowerPoints

19_Checking_translation_with_a_consultant.pptx     19_Checking_translation_with_a_consultant.pdf

19_How_translation_consultants_can_help.pptx     19_How_translation_consultants_can_help.pdf

19_Planning_for_a_consultant_check.pptx     19_Planning_for_a_consultant_check.pdf


Website

The Forum of Bible Agencies International “Statement on qualifications for translation consultants” can be viewed at https://forum-intl.org/resources/translation-standards/.

Return to Contents

Chapter 20: Steps 8 to 10: The later stages of the translation process

Part 3: Studying Words and How They Are Used (Lexical Meaning)

Chapter 21: Exploring the meaning of words

For Further Reading

Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary (OALD). 2014. Ninth edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Recent editions include a CD and links to online resources with audio facilities designed to help those learning English explore the different senses that a word may have, depending on the context.

Return to Contents

Chapter 22: Translating unknown concepts
Chapter 23: More on translating unknown concepts

There are no additional resources for this chapter.

Return to Contents

Chapter 24: Translating key biblical terms

PDF

24_Key_Terms_in_gospels-Chart_to_record_translations.pdf


PowerPoints

24_Key_Terms_1.pptx     24_Key_Terms_1.pdf

24_Key_Terms_2.pptx     24_Key_Terms_2.pdf

24_Key_Terms_in_gospels-Review.pptx     24_Key_Terms_in_gospels-Review.pdf


Available in LOGOS Bible Software

New Bible Dictionary, published by InterVarsity Press

Lexham Bible Dictionary, published online by Lexham Press

Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary: Old Testament (5 vols.)

Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary: New Testament (4 vols.)

LOGOS Bible software provides a way to generate a concordance, enabling the user to find all examples of any word or phrase for any Bible in the system.


Available on Translator's Workplace

Barnwell, Katharine, Paul Dancy, and Anthony Pope. 2015. Key biblical terms in the New Testament: An aid for Bible translators. Dallas: SIL International.

Daams, Nico. 2005. Translating YHWH. Journal of Translation 1:47–55.

Gray, David, comp. 2011. Old Testament glossary. This is available in Translator’s Workplace and, for those who have registered with Academia.edu, this can also be viewed at: https://www.academia.edu/2907731/Old_Testament_Glossary.

Persson, Janet. 2018. Translating Old Testament key terms for African languages.

Harris, R. Laird, Gleason L. Archer Jr., and Bruce K. Waltke, eds. 1980. Theological wordbook of the Old Testament. Chicago: Moody Press.

Louw, Johannes P., and Eugene A. Nida. 1989. Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament based on semantic domains. New York: United Bible Societies.

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Chapter 25: Exploring terms referring to the supernatural world

PowerPoints

25_Understanding_the_world_of_the_supernatural.pptx     25_Understanding_the_World_of_the_Supernatural.pdf


For Further Reading

Several of the articles listed below refer to the translation of specific terms, such as the translation of “God,” or “Holy Spirit.” Are there any key biblical terms that are proving challenging to translate into your language? Look up and read articles in this list that might help on that topic.

Many of these articles are available to view in Translator’s Workplace. The journal The Bible Translator is available for purchase at http://journals.sagepub.com/loi/tbt. Articles can also be viewed by browsing this website. The complete texts for vols. 1–51 (1950–2012) can also be viewed free of charge at http://www.ubs-translations.org/bt/archives_1950_2012/.

Bratcher, Robert G. 1983. Biblical words describing man: breath, life, spirit. The Bible Translator 34:201–209: http://www.ubs-translations.org/tbt/1983/02/TBT198302.html?num=&x=0&y=0&num1=201

Arichea, Daniel C. 1983. Translating breath and spirit. The Bible Translator 34:209–213: http://www.ubs-translations.org/tbt/1983/02/TBT198302.html?num=&x=0&y=0&num1=209:

Loewen, Jacob A. 1983. Clean air or bad breath? The Bible Translator 34:213–219: http://www.ubs-translations.org/tbt/1983/02/TBT198302.html?num=&x=0&y=0&num1=213

Bunkowske, Eugene W. 1977. Religious words! Which and where? The Bible Translator 28:226–231: http://www.ubs-translations.org/tbt/1977/02/TBT197702.html?num=&x=0&y=0&num1=226

SIL Africa Area Translation Department. 1986. Understanding the world of the supernatural. Africa Area Translation Aids 19. Nairobi: SIL International. Available in Translator’s Workplace. This paper is adapted from an article by Dr Jacob A. Loewen in Practical Anthropology 12(4):183–187, July-August 1965. See also the article by Richard Mansen with the same title “Understanding the world of the supernatural,” published in Notes on Translation 39:3–12, March 1971, that is also a close adaptation of the work by Dr Loewen.

Wiesemann, Ursula. 1978. Holy Spirit in Kaingang. Notes on Translation 69:32–35.

The issues of The Bible Translator for April and October 1984 and October 1985 include a number of articles on the names of God in the Bible.

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Part 4: More on Discovering the Meaning

Chapter 26: Discovering the meaning – Event ideas
Chapter 27: Discovering the meaning – “of” phrases in English (genitive constructions)
Chapter 28: Discovering the meaning – Active and passive voice
Chapter 29: Discovering the meaning – Shortcuts

There are no additional resources in this chapter.

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Chapter 30: Discovering the meaning – Complex passages

PowerPoint

30_Analysing_complex_passages.pptx     30_Analysing_complex_passages.pdf


For Further Reading

Ettien, Koffi Nda. 1996. Translating the term “but” – unsuspected challenges. The Bible Translator 47(2):218–226: http://www.ubs-translations.org/tbt/1996/02/TBT199602.html?num=218&x=0&y=0&num1=

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Chapter 31: Discovering the meaning – Order of events

There are no additional resources in this chapter.

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Chapter 32: Discovering the meaning – Long and short sentences

There are no additional resources in this chapter.

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Part 5: Figures of Speech and Other Challenges

Chapter 33: Figures of speech – comparisons

PowerPoints

33_Figures_of_speech_1-Introduction.pptx     33_Figures_of_speech_1-Introduction.pdf

33_Figures_of_speech_2-Metaphor_and_simile.pptx     33_Figures_of_speech_2-Metaphor_and_simile.pdf

For Further Reading

Kroneman, Dick. 2004. The LORD is my shepherd: An exploration into the theory and practice of translating biblical metaphor, 2 vols. PhD dissertation. Amsterdam: Free University. Highly recommended for in-depth study on the translation of metaphors. This dissertation is accessible on Translator's Workplace.

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Chapter 34: Other figures of speech

PowerPoints

34_Figures_of_speech_3-Euphemism.pptx     34_Figures_of_speech_3-Euphemism.pdf

34_Figures_of_speech_4-Different_kinds.pptx     34_Figures_of_speech_4-Different_kinds.pdf


Websites

See the website: https://literarydevices.net/apostrophe.

Carmichael, Alex. What kinds of literary techniques are used in the Bible? Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry (CARM). See https://carm.org/bible-literary-techniques.

Wenger, Mark. 2014. Irony in Scripture. For those who have registered with Academia.edu, this article can be viewed at https://www.academia.edu/7114303/Irony_in_the_Bible.

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Chapter 35: Rhetorical questions

PowerPoints

35_Rhetorical_questions_1-Two_kinds_of_questions.pptx     35_Rhetorical_questions_1-Two_kinds_of_questions.pdf

35_Rhetorical_questions_2-Bible_examples.pptx     35_Rhetorical_questions_2-Bible_examples.pdf

35_Rhetorical_questions_3-How_to_translate.pptx     35_Rhetorical_questions_3-How_to_translate.pdf

35_Rhetorical_questions_in_the_JESUS_Film.pptx     35_Rhetorical_questions _in_the_JESUS_Film.pdf


For Further Reading

Estes, Douglas. 2017. Questions and rhetoric in the Greek New Testament: An essential reference resource for exegesis. Grand Rapids: Zondervan.

Notes on Translation 44, June 1972. The whole issue relates to rhetorical questions, including the following articles:

Beekman, John. Analyzing and translating the questions of the New Testament, 3–21.

Elkins, Richard E. Supposition rules for rhetorical questions in English and Western Bukidnon Manobo, 21–24.

Andrews, Henrietta. Rhetorical questions in Otomí of the State of Mexico (San Felipe Santiago), 25–28.

Kirkpatrick, Lilla. Rhetorical questions in Korku of Central India, 28–32.

Crouch, Marjorie. Rhetorical questions in Vagla of Ghana, W. Africa, 32–36.

Levinsohn, Stephen H. Questions in Inga, and their use in Mark’s Gospel, 36–39.

Longacre, Robert E. Rhetorical questions in Trique, 39–40.

Rountree, S. Catherine. Questions-invitations, 40.

Sayers, Barbara J. What is it that I don’t know?, 40.

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Chapter 36: Translation challenges – a review

There are no additional resources in this chapter.

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Part 6: Discovering Your Language

Chapter 37: Principles of good spelling
Chapter 38: Different types of text – speech genres

PowerPoints

38_Recognizing_different_kinds_of_texts.pptx     38_Recognizing_different_kinds_of texts.pdf

38_Testing_6-Genre_questions.pptx     38_Testing_6-Genre_questions.pdf


Websites

The following websites share experience, examples and opportunities relating to the study of traditional art forms, demonstrating their value in effective communication:

ethnoarts.sil.org

www.ArtsForABetterFuture.org
Information about a training program designed to help language communities recognise and develop their indigenous art forms for Bible translation, Scripture engagement, and language development.


For Further Reading

Schrag, Brian, and James Krabill. 2013. Creating local arts together: A manual to help communities reach their kingdom goals. Pasadena: William Carey Library.

Stahl, Janet. 2017. Bible storytelling and healing communities. Global Arts and Christian Faith 5(1).

Wendland, Ernst R., 2002. A literary-rhetorical approach to biblical text analysis and translation. In Timothy Wilt (ed.), Bible translation: Frames of reference, 179-230. Manchester, UK: St. Jerome Publishing.

Wendland, Ernst R. 2004. Translating the literature of Scripture: A literary-rhetorical approach to Bible translation. Publications in Translation and Textlinguistics 1. Dallas: SIL International.

Wendland, Ernst R. 2018. “Literary Functional Equivalence” (LiFE) Translation—A brief description. Accessed May 13, 2019. For those who have registered with Academia.edu, this is accessible at: https://www.academia.edu/3168198/_Literary_Functional_Equivalence_LiFE_Translation_A_Brief_Description.

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Chapter 39: Discovering your language – how to chart a text

PDFs

39_Achebe_Tortoise_text_for_charting.pdf

39_Achebe_Tortoise_text_charted.pdf

39_How_to_record_and_transcribe_texts.pdf

39_How_to_chart_a_narrative_text.pdf

39_Template_for_charting_texts.pdf

39_Template_for_charting_texts-Example.pdf


PowerPoints

39_Charting_texts_1-Clauses_and_phrases.pptx     39_Charting_texts_1-Clauses_and_phrases.pdf

39_Charting_texts_2-Example.pptx     39_Charting_texts_2-Example.pdf

39_Introducing_features_of_narrative_discourse.pptx     39_Introducing_features_of_narrative_discourse.pdf


For Further Reading

Dooley, Robert, and Stephen Levinsohn. 2001. Analyzing discourse: A manual of basic concepts. Dallas: SIL International.

Levinsohn, Stephen. 2015. Self-instruction materials on non-narrative discourse analysis. Dallas: SIL International. Accessed May 13, 2019. This can be accessed online at: https://www.sil.org/system/files/reapdata/12/09/77/12097783140226278345967129899177220760/NonNarr2015.pdf. (For advanced study.)

Levinsohn, Stephen. 2000. Discourse features of New Testament Greek: A coursebook on the information structure of New Testament Greek. Second edition. Dallas: SIL International.

Nicolle, Stephen. 2017. Narrative discourse analysis and Bible translation: Training materials based on Acts 16:16–40. SIL Forum for Language Fieldwork 2017-001. Dallas: SIL International. Accessed May 13, 2019. This is available as an e‑publication from SIL Forum for Language Fieldwork: https://www.sil.org/resources/publications/entry/69386 and is also on Translator’s Workplace. (For advanced study.)

Runge, Steven E. 2010. Discourse grammar of the Greek New Testament: A practical introduction for teaching and exegesis. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.

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Chapter 40: Pronoun reference
Chapter 41: Looking at the big picture – discourse perspective

There are no additional resources in this chapter.

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Part 7: Planning and Organising a Bible Translation Project

Chapter 42: The role of the churches and community in a translation project – translation is teamwork!

PDF

42_Planning_a_Bible_translation_project-Booklet.pdf


PowerPoints

42_Finances_and_other_aspects_of_planning_a_translation_project.pptx     42_Finances_and_other_aspects_of_planning_a_translation_project.pdf

42_Planning_a_translation_project-Roles_and_responsibilities.pptx     42_Planning_a_translation_project-Roles_and_responsibilities.pdf


For Further Reading

Marmor, Thomas, and Eric Bartels. Managing language programs: Perspectives, processes and practices. Dallas: SIL International Pike Center for Integrative Scholarship. E-book, accessible at the website link www.leanpub.com/PLPM/.

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Chapter 43: Preparing a translation brief

PDF

43_Ten_translation_steps.pdf


PowerPoints

43_Preparing_a_translation_brief.pptx     43_Preparing_a_translation_brief.pdf

43_Translation_procedure_10_steps.pptx     43_Translation_procedure_10_steps.pdf


Websites

The statement of the Forum of Bible Agencies International “Basic Principles and Procedures for Bible Translation” can be viewed at https://forum-intl.org/resources/translation-standards/.

Further information on “Skopos theory” is available at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skopos_theory.


For Further Reading

Nida, Eugene A. 1982. Establishing translation principles and procedures. The Bible Translator 33(2):208–213: http://www.ubs-translations.org/tbt/1982/02/TBT198202.html?num=208&x=0&y=0&num1=

Nord, Christiane. 1997. Translating as a purposeful activity: Functionalist approaches explained. Translation Theories Explored 1. Manchester, UK: St. Jerome Publishing. Routledge edition 2015. Second edition 2018.

Vermeer, Hans Josef. 2000. Skopos and commission in translation action. In Lawrence Venuti (ed.), The Translation Studies Reader, 221–232. London & New York: Routledge.

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Chapter 44: Planning and organising a Bible translation project – discussion topics

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Appendix: The cultural and geographical background of the Bible

 

PowerPoints

The Story of the Grapevine – according to the Bible. A series of 6 Power Point presentations on the grapevine and its products by Anne Garber Kompaore. It comprises:

  1. The story of the grapevine and its fruit
  2. Planting and growing the grape vine
  3. Grape harvest and winepress
  4. The fruit of the vine
  5. Drinking wine
  6. Summary, conclusion and bibliography

These can be viewed at: https://map.bloomfire.com/posts/1431549-the-story-of-the-grapevine-according-to-the-bible or downloaded from Google Drive at: http://bit.ly/grapevineAGK.

“Bible_background_survey-Prof_Don_Fairbairn.pptx”     "Bible_background_survey-Prof_Don_Fairbairn.pdf"

A presentation prepared by Professor Don Fairbairn, formerly on the staff of Erskine Theological Seminary, now teaching at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. His permission to make this material available is much appreciated.


Videos, DVDs, and Images

“Bible Backgrounds Sample Videos” – Available at the following site: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChHCmkrvI5CCdYii5SWBuXA.

These are also accessible from SIL International Media Services at https://www.internationalmediaservices.org/bible-backgrounds.

These sites include videos on the following topics:

  • Agriculture Part 1
  • Agriculture Part 2
  • Fishing
  • Writing scrolls and instruments
  • Water sources
  • Eating customs
  • Burial and mourning customs
  • The temple in Jerusalem

“Bible Lands as Classroom.” A 2-DVD set which describes the historical, cultural, and geographical context of the Bible. This is available for purchase from the United Bible Societies. For further details see https://thebibletranslator.org/product/bible-lands-as-classroom-2-dvd-set/.

“Photo companion to the Bible.” More than 10,000 images illustrating Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John with modern and historic photographs of ancient sites, museum artifacts, and cultural scenes. Available for purchase from the following site: https://www.bibleplaces.com/gospels-photo-companion-to-the-bible/.


For Further Reading

Fauna and Flora of the Bible.1980. Second edition. Prepared in cooperation with the Committee on Translations of the United Bible Societies. Helps for Translators. New York: United Bible Societies. Available for viewing in Translator’s Workplace.

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References

 

Barnwell, Katharine. 1991. Manuel de traduction biblique. Cours d’introduction aux principes de traduction. Epinay-sur-Seine: SIL International. Adaptation de la 3éme édition anglaise du manuel Bible Translation, destiné aux traducteurs en langue maternelle. Available to view in Translator's Workplace.

Beekman, John, and John Callow. 1974. Translating the Word of God: With Scripture and topical indexes. Grand Rapids: Zondervan. Also accessible on Translator’s Workplace.

Blass, Regina. 2001. A response to Cahill. Notes on Translation 15(3):50–52.

Carson, D. A. 1987. The limits of dynamic equivalence in Bible translation. Notes on Translation 121:1–15.

Debrunner, Hans. 1967. A history of Christianity in Ghana. Accra: Waterville Publishing House.

Fox, David G. 1959. How intelligible is a literal translation? The Bible Translator 10(4):174–176: http://www.ubs-translations.org/tbt/1984/02/TBT198402.html/

Nida, Eugene A., and Charles R. Taber. 1969. The theory and practice of translation. Leiden: E. J. Brill, for the United Bible Societies. Originally published in the series, Helps for Translators 8. Reprinted 1974 and 1982. Fourth impression 2003.

Nord, Christiane. (1997) 2018. Translating as a purposeful activity: Functionalist approaches explained. Translation Theories Explored 1. Manchester, UK: St. Jerome Publishing. Routledge edition 2015. Second edition 2018.

SIL International. 2019. Translator’s Workplace (TW) collection. Access online at https://www.sil.org/resources/publications/tw.

Translator’s Workplace (TW) is an extensive library of reference materials selected for the work of Bible translation. This extraordinary collection has been designed to meet the varying needs of translators worldwide and includes Bibles, Greek and Hebrew texts, dictionaries, commentaries, translation handbooks, articles, and other reference materials. Notable publishers have graciously permitted the use of resources within the TW collection to be distributed to those specifically assigned the work of Bible translation.

Translator’s Workplace is published by SIL International on Faithlife Corporationˈs LOGOS Bible Software platform. A license is required to download TW. See https://www.sil.org/resources/publications/tw and read the FAQs for more information on content and licensing.

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