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Exceptional relationship
Definition
Exceptional relationship connectors exclude one or more items or people from a group.
Reason this is a translation issue
English indicates exceptional relationships with words like “except,” “but not” “other than,” “besides,” “unless,” “however. . . not,” and “only.” Some languages do not indicate that one or more items or people are excluded from a group in this way, but instead have other ways. Translators need to understand who or what is in the group and who or what is excluded in order to be able to accurately communicate this in their language.
Examples from OBS and the Bible
God will save everyone who believes in Jesus and receives him as their Master. But he will not save those who do not believe in him. (OBS Story 49 Frame 13)
But if you will not redeem it, then tell me, so that I may know, for there is no one to redeem it besides you, and I am after you." (Ruth 4:4 ULT)
David attacked them from the twilight to the evening of the next day. Not a man escaped except for four hundred young men, who rode on camels and fled. (1 Samuel 30:17 ULT)
The man said, "Let me go, for the dawn is breaking." Jacob said, "I will not let you go unless you bless me." (Genesis 32:26 ULT)
Translation Strategy
If the way that Exceptional Clauses are marked in the source language is also clear in your language, then translate the Exceptional Clauses in the same way.
Part 1: [Not a man escaped] Part 2: [except for four hundred young men]
In some languages, constructions such as these do not make sense, because the exception in Part 2 contradicts the negative statement in Part 1. In this case, the translator can phrase the same idea without the contradiction by deleting the negative and using a word like “only.”
Examples of Translation Strategy Applied
God will only save those who believe in Jesus and receive him as their Master. He will not save those who do not believe in him.
But if you will not redeem it, then tell me, so that I may know, for you are first in line to redeem it [only you can redeem it], and I am after you." (Ruth 4:4)
David attacked them from the twilight to the evening of the next day. Only four hundred young men escaped, who rode on camels and fled. (1 Samuel 30:17)
The man said, "Let me go, for the dawn is breaking." Jacob said, "I will let you go only if you bless me." (Genesis 32:26)