Bible translation and the Sermon on the mount

[摘要] ENGLISH SUMMARY: The purpose of the assignment is to present and illustrate modem translationmethods using the Sermon on the Mount as a basis. As background to this, a briefsummary of the history of Bible translation is given in four main epochs, extendingfrom the LXX to the present. This history focuses on the approach and style of thevarious versions discussed, tracing the progress of translation techniques.Following this is a discussion of modem principles of translation. FormalEquivalence and Functional (Dynamic) Equivalence are briefly described here,followed by various linguistic problems encountered by the translator. Translation isthen considered in terms of communication theory in which the nature, and impact ontranslation, of Relevance Theory is investigated.Modem translation theory is illustrated in two ways. The first is a critique ofvarious modem English translations (NEB, REB, NIV, NRSV, TEV, CEV, JB, NJB)based on their individual renderings of the Sermon on the Mount and mainlyconsidering style, readability and accuracy. The second is an original translation of theSermon on the Mount which is felt to conform largely with modem techniques ingeneral and with Relevance Theory in particular. Various translation choices aresupported by notes and comments given in their support, and reference is made to theversions critiqued wherever this was thought to be relevant.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University