diff --git a/translate/figs-doublenegatives/01.md b/translate/figs-doublenegatives/01.md index a0a3397..ebb6e38 100644 --- a/translate/figs-doublenegatives/01.md +++ b/translate/figs-doublenegatives/01.md @@ -13,20 +13,20 @@ A double negative occurs when a clause has two words that each have a negative m > > Be sure of this—the wicked person will **not** go **un**punished (Proverbs 11:21a ULT) -#### Reason this is a translation issue +#### Reason This Is a Translation Issue Double negatives mean very different things in different languages. -* In some languages, such as Spanish, a double negative emphasizes the negative. The following Spanish sentence *No ví a nadie* is literally, “I did not see no one.” It has both the word ‘no’ next to the verb and ‘nadie,’ which means “no one.” The two negatives are seen as in agreement with each other, and the sentence means, “I did not see anyone.” +* In some languages, such as Spanish, a double negative emphasizes the negative. The Spanish sentence, "No vi a nadie," literally says “I did not see no one.” It has both the word ‘no’ next to the verb and ‘nadie,’ which means “no one.” The two negatives are seen as in agreement with each other, and the sentence means, “I did not see anyone.” * In some languages, a second negative cancels the first one, creating a positive sentence. So, “He is not unintelligent” means “He is intelligent.” * In some languages the double negative creates a positive sentence, but it is a weak statement. So, “He is not unintelligent” means, “He is somewhat intelligent.” * In some languages, such as the languages of the Bible, the double negative can create a positive sentence, and often strengthens the statement. So, “He is not unintelligent” can mean “He is intelligent” or “He is very intelligent.” -To translate sentences with double negatives accurately and clearly in your language, you need to know both what a double negative means in the Bible and how to express the same idea in your language. +To translate sentences with double negatives accurately and clearly in your language, you need to know what a double negative means in the Bible and how to express the same idea in your language. ### Examples from the Bible -> …in order **not** to be **unfruitful**. (Titus 3:14 ULT) +> … in order **not** to be **unfruitful**. (Titus 3:14b ULT) This means “so that they will be fruitful.” > All things were made through him and **without** him there was **not** one thing made that has been made. (John 1:3 ULT)