Proofread.edits (#223)
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@ -38,7 +38,7 @@ If you are translating online, please fork the [Door43-Catalog/en_ta](https://gi
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* *Do not* rename any files or directories. Only translate what is inside the files.
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* The `config.yaml` and `toc.yaml` files do not need to be changed unless you add a new module. When you are finished translating, you may want to update the `title` fields in the `toc.yaml` file, but you shouldn’t make any other changes in those files.
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* Images that are included in UTA should be no more than 600px wide. Leave the image links alone to use the original images.
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* Images that are included in UTA should be no more than 600px wide. NOTE: If you use the images already in UTA, you do not need to translate the names of the image files. They will work in their current format.
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* Hyperlinks (links to other articles or to other pages on the internet) follow this pattern: `[text to display](http://www.example.com)`. You can translate the “text to display” inside the square brackets but not the web address that follows inside the parentheses.
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You are free to add additional modules. In order for the new modules to be included, all of the following conditions need to be satisfied:
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@ -6,7 +6,7 @@ There are several resources available for finding answers to questions:
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* **unfoldingWord® Translation Academy** - This training manual is available at http://ufw.io/ta and has much information including:
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* [Introduction](../ta-intro/01.md) - introduces this resource, the Gateway Languages strategy, and translation
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* [Process Manual](../../process/process-manual/01.md) - answers the question “what next?”
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* [Translation Manual](../../translate/translate-manual/01.md) - explains the basics of translation theory and practical translation helps
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* [Translation Manual](../../translate/translate-manual/01.md) - explains the basics of translation theory and how to use practical translation helps
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* [Checking Manual](../../checking/intro-check/01.md) - explains the basics of checking theory and best practices
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* **Door43 Slack** - Join the Door43 community, post your questions to the “#helpdesk” channel, and get real-time answers to your questions (sign up at http://ufw.io/door43)
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* **Door43 Forum** - A place to ask questions and get answers to technical, strategic, translation, and checking issues, https://forum.door43.org/
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@ -3,12 +3,12 @@
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### Explanation
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The objective of the gateway languages strategy is to equip 100% of the people groups that comprise the global Church with biblical content that is released from copyright restrictions and made available in a language they understand well (a language of wider communication) together with unrestricted translation training and tools that enable them to translate it into a language they understand fully (their own language). A “gateway language” is a language of wider communication through which second-language speakers of that language can gain access to content and translate it into their own language.
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The objective of the gateway languages strategy is to equip 100% of the people groups that comprise the global Church with biblical content that is released from copyright restrictions and made available in a language they understand well (a language of wider communication, also known as a "gateway language") together with unrestricted translation training and tools that enable them to translate it into a language they understand fully (their own language). A “gateway language” is a language of wider communication through which second-language speakers of that language can gain access to content and translate it into their own language.
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The “gateway languages” at the world level comprise the smallest number of languages through which content can be delivered to every other language, via translation by bilingual speakers. For example, French is a gateway language for minority languages in Francophone Africa in that content available in French can be translated by bilingual speakers from French into their own languages.
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The “gateway languages” at the world level comprise the smallest number of languages through which content can be delivered to every other language, via translation by bilingual speakers. For example, French is a gateway language for minority languages in Francophone Africa since content available in French can be translated by bilingual speakers from French into their own languages.
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At the country level, the gateway languages of a given country are the fewest languages of wider communication required for bilingual speakers in every minority language native to the country (not located there due to immigration) to gain access to content. For example, English is the gateway language for North Korea, given that all people groups native to North Korea can be reached by translation of content into their language from English.
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At the country level, the gateway languages of a given country are the fewest languages of wider communication required for bilingual speakers in every minority language native to the country (not located there due to immigration) to gain access to content. For example, English is the gateway language for North Korea, because all people groups native to North Korea can be reached by translation of content into their language from English.
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### Effects
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This model has two basic effects: First, it empowers all languages to “pull” content to their language once the content and helps have been “pushed” into a language accessible to every language of the world (a gateway language). Second, it limits the amount of translation that needs to be done as the translation helps only have to be translated into the gateway language. All other languages can translate only the biblical content, since no language will be dependent upon them for understanding the translation helps.
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This model has two basic effects: First, it empowers all languages to “pull” content to their language once the content and helps have been “pushed” into a gateway language, thereby making that content accessible to every language of the world. Second, it limits the amount of translation that needs to be done as the translation helps only have to be translated into the gateway language. All other languages can translate only the biblical content, since no language will be dependent upon them for understanding the translation helps.
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### A License for Freedom
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To achieve **unrestricted biblical content in every language**, a license is needed that gives the global church “unrestricted” access. We believe this movement will become unstoppable when the Church has unrestricted access. The [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License](http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) provides all the needed rights for translation and distribution of biblical content and ensures that the content remains open. Except where otherwise noted, all our content is licensed CC BY-SA.
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To achieve **unrestricted biblical content in every language**, a license is needed that gives the global church “unrestricted” access. We believe this movement will become unstoppable when the Church has unrestricted access. The [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License](http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) provides all the needed rights for translation and distribution of biblical content and ensures that the content remains unrestricted. Except where otherwise noted, all our content is licensed CC BY-SA.
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*The official license for Door43 is found at https://door43.org/en/legal/license.*
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@ -7,7 +7,7 @@ We believe that Christian belief can and should be divided into **essential beli
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#### Essential beliefs
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Essential beliefs are what define a follower of Jesus Christ and can never be compromised or ignored.
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Essential beliefs are the beliefs that define a follower of Jesus Christ and can never be compromised or ignored.
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* We believe the Bible to be the only inspired, inerrant, sufficient, authoritative Word of God (1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Timothy 3:16-17).
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#### Peripheral beliefs
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Peripheral beliefs are everything else that is in Scripture but about which sincere followers of Christ may disagree (e.g. Baptism, Lord’s Supper, the Rapture, etc.). We choose to agree to disagree agreeably on these topics and press on together toward a common goal of making disciples of every people group (Matthew 28:18-20).
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Peripheral beliefs are all other beliefs in Scripture about which sincere followers of Christ may disagree (e.g. Baptism, Lord’s Supper, the Rapture, etc.). We choose to agree to disagree agreeably on these topics and press on together toward a common goal of making disciples of every people group (Matthew 28:18-20).
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### Welcome to unfoldingWord® Translation Academy
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unfoldingWord® Translation Academy is intended to enable anyone, anywhere to equip themselves so that they will be able to make high-quality translations of biblical content into their own language. unfoldingWord® Translation Academy is designed to be highly flexible. It can be used in a systematic, in-advance approach or it can be used for just-in-time learning (or both, as needed). It is modular in structure.
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unfoldingWord® Translation Academy is intended to enable anyone, anywhere to equip themselves so that they will be able to make high-quality translations of biblical content into their own language. unfoldingWord® Translation Academy is designed to be highly flexible. It can be used in a systematic, in-advance approach, or it can be used for just-in-time learning (or both, as needed). It is modular in structure.
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unfoldingWord® Translation Academy contains the following sections:
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@ -3,10 +3,10 @@ The purpose of unfoldingWord® Translation Academy is to train you to become a B
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God has spoken to us in the Bible. He inspired the writers of the Bible to write his Word using the Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek languages. There were about 40 different authors writing from around 1400 B.C. to A.D. 100. These documents were written in the Middle East, North Africa and Europe. By recording his Word in those languages, God ensured that the people at those times and in those places could understand it.
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Today, people in your country do not understand Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek. But translating God’s Word into their language will enable them understand it!
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Today, people in your country do not understand Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek. But translating God’s Word into their language will enable them to understand it!
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Someone’s “mother tongue” or “heart language” means the language they first spoke as a child and the one which they use at home. This is the language in which they are most comfortable and which they use to express their deepest thoughts. We want everyone to be able to read God’s Word in their heart language.
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Every language is important and valuable. Small languages are just as important as the national languages spoken in your country, and they can express meaning just as well. No one should be ashamed to speak their dialect. Sometimes, those in minority groups feel ashamed of their language and try not to use it around the people who are in the majority in their nation. But there is nothing inherently more important, more prestigious, or more educated about the national language than there is about local languages. Each language has nuances and shades of meaning that are unique. We should use the language we are most comfortable with and with which we best communicate with others.
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Every language is important and valuable. Small languages are just as important as the national languages spoken in your country, and they can express meaning just as well. No one should be ashamed to speak their dialect. Sometimes, those in minority groups feel ashamed of their language and try not to use it around the people who are in the majority in their nation. But there is nothing inherently more important, more prestigious, or more educated about a national language than there is about local languages. Each language has nuances and shades of meaning that are unique. We should use the language we are most comfortable with and with which we best communicate with others.
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*Credits: Taken from “Bible Translation Theory & Practice” by Todd Price, Ph.D. CC BY-SA 4.0*
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### Recommended Platform
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The recommended platform for drafting Bible translations in the Door43 ecosystem is translationStudio (http://ufw.io/ts/) and the recommended platform for checking Bible translations is translationCore (http://ufw.io/tc/). You may set up translationStudio on Android, Windows, Mac, or Linux devices (see [Setting up translationStudio](../setup-ts/01.md) for more information). You may set up translationCore on Windows, Mac, or Linux devices. These platforms are free to download and use. They import and export Bible books in USFM format.
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The recommended platform for drafting Bible translations in the Door43 online community is translationStudio (http://ufw.io/ts/). The recommended platform for checking Bible translations is translationCore (http://ufw.io/tc/). You may set up translationStudio on Android, Windows, Mac, or Linux devices (see [Setting up translationStudio](../setup-ts/01.md) for more information). You may set up translationCore on Windows, Mac, or Linux devices. These platforms are free to download and use. They import and export Bible books in USFM format.
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### Other Options
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If using translationStudio is not an option for your team, then you may consider using other online or offline tools. Note that it will be your responsibility to get the content into USFM format if you do not use translationStudio but do want to use other Bible translation software (see [File Formats](../../translate/file-formats/01.md) for more information).
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If using translationStudio is not an option for your team, then you may consider using other online or offline tools. Please note: if you do not use translationStudio but do want to use other Bible translation software, then it will be your responsibility to ensure that your translated content is in USFM format (see [File Formats](../../translate/file-formats/01.md) for more information).
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It is recommended that you consult the [Translation Manual](../../translate/translate-manual/01.md) frequently as you translate. Before you start translating, we recommend that you start working your way through the Translation Manual at least until you know the difference between a literal translation and a meaning-based translation. Much of the rest of the Translation Manual can be used as a “just-in-time” learning resource.
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Some important subjects that everyone on the translation team must learn before starting a translation project:
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Some important subjects that everyone on the translation team must learn before starting a translation project include:
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* [The Qualities of a Good Translation](../../translate/guidelines-intro/01.md) - The definition of a good translation
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* [The Translation Process](../../translate/translate-process/01.md) - How a good translation is made
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### Welcome
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Welcome to Bible translation! We are pleased that you desire to translate God's message into the language of your people, whether this is through translaton of Bible stories or books of Scripture. This Process Manual is a step-by-step guide to help translation teams know what they need to do, from the start of a project to its completion. This guide will help a translation team from its initial setup to final publishing of translated and checked content.
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Welcome to Bible translation! We are pleased that you desire to translate God's message into the language of your people, whether this is through translaton of Bible stories or books of Scripture. This Process Manual is a step-by-step guide to help translation teams know what they need to do from the start of a project to its completion. This guide will help a translation team from the initial setup to the final publishing of translated and checked content.
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### Getting Started
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### How to Get translationCore
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translationCore is open-source and open-licensed software that is free to use for checking Bible translations. The latest version of translationCore for desktop or laptop computers (Windows, Mac, or Linux) is available from http://translationcore.com/. To install the program, click on “Download” to get the latest release. Note that you may also copy the installation file to other computers to share translationCore with others without using the internet.
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translationCore is an open-source and open-licensed software program for checking Bible translations. It is completely free to use. The latest version of translationCore for desktop or laptop computers (Windows, Mac, or Linux) is available from http://translationcore.com/. To install the program, click on “Download” to get the latest release. Note that you may also copy the installation file to other computers to share translationCore with others without using the internet.
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### How to Set Up translationCore
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#### Choose a Project
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If you logged in with your Door43 user name, translationCore will know which translations belong to you and will make them available to download into translationCore. You can choose which translation project you want to check from the list of your projects in Door43. You may also load translations that are on your computer without using the internet.
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If you logged in with your Door43 user name, translationCore will know which translations belong to you and will make them available to download into translationCore. You can choose from the list of your projects in Door43 which translation project you want to check. You may also load translations that are already saved on your computer without using the internet.
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#### Choose a Tool
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### After Using translationCore
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At any point, you may upload your work to [Door43](https://git.door43.org) by returning to the project list and clicking on the three-dot menu next to the project that you want to upload and choosing Upload to Door43. You can also export your project to a file on your computer. Once uploaded, Door43 will keep your work in a repository under your user name and you can access your work there (see [Publishing](../intro-publishing/01.md)).
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At any point, you may upload your work to [Door43](https://git.door43.org) by returning to the project list and clicking on the three-dot menu next to the project that you want to upload and choosing "Upload to Door43". You can also save your project to a file on your computer. Once uploaded, Door43 will keep your work in a repository under your user name and you can access your work there (see [Publishing](../intro-publishing/01.md)).
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* [Translation Guidelines](../../intro/translation-guidelines/01.md)
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* [Open License](../../intro/open-license/01.md)
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* Everyone on the team also needs to know the qualities of a good translation (see [The Qualities of a Good Translation](../../translate/guidelines-intro/01.md)).
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* The team will also need to know where they can find answers (see [Finding Answers](../../intro/finding-answers/01.md)).
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* The team also needs to know where they can find answers (see [Finding Answers](../../intro/finding-answers/01.md)).
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### Translation Decisions
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There are many decisions the translation team will have to make, many of them right at the beginning of the project. Included are the following:
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There are many decisions the translation team will need to make, many of them right at the beginning of the project. Included are the following:
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* [Choosing a Source Text](../../translate/translate-source-text/01.md) - Choosing a good source text is very important
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* [Copyrights, Licensing, and Source Texts](../../translate/translate-source-licensing/01.md) - Copyright issues must be considered when choosing a source text
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### Using tS
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Once installed, both editions of translationStudio are designed to work similarly. You *do not* need an internet connection to use translationStudio! First-time use of translationStudio will require an agreement to the [Statement of Faith](../../intro/statement-of-faith/01.md), the [Translation Guidelines](../../intro/translation-guidelines/01.md), and the [Open License](../../intro/open-license/01.md).
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Once installed, both editions of translationStudio are designed to work similarly. You *do not* need an internet connection to use translationStudio! When using translationStudio for the first time, the software will take you to a screen where you must sign an agreement to the [Statement of Faith](../../intro/statement-of-faith/01.md), the [Translation Guidelines](../../intro/translation-guidelines/01.md), and the [Open License](../../intro/open-license/01.md).
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After the first-use screen, you will be brought to the Home screen where you can create a new project. You will need to give the project a name (usually a book of the Bible), identify the project type (usually Bible or Open Bible Stories), and identify the target language. Once your project is created, you can start translating. Make sure that you understand the [Principles of Good Translation](../pretranslation-training/01.md) and know how to use the [Translation Helps](../../translate/translate-help/01.md) that are built into translationStudio. These will help you to gain a better understanding of the source text and how to translate it. Note that your work is automatically saved. You may also choose to back up, share, or upload your work at various intervals (use the menu to access these functions). For guidelines on how to start translating, see [Translation Overview](../translation-overview/01.md) and [Making a First Draft](../../translate/first-draft/01.md).
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After this first-use screen, the software will then take you to the Home screen where you can create a new project. You will need to give the project a name (usually a book of the Bible), identify the project type (usually Bible or Open Bible Stories), and identify the target language. Once your project is created, you can start translating. Make sure that you understand the [Principles of Good Translation](../pretranslation-training/01.md) and know how to use the [Translation Helps](../../translate/translate-help/01.md) that are built into translationStudio. These will help you to gain a better understanding of the source text and how to translate it. Note that your work is automatically saved. You may also choose to back up, share, or upload your work at various intervals (use the menu to access these functions). For guidelines on how to start translating, see [Translation Overview](../translation-overview/01.md) and [Making a First Draft](../../translate/first-draft/01.md).
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### After Using tS
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### Sharing Content on Door43
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If you upload your work from translationStudio or translationCore, then it automatically appears on the Internet on Door43. All of your uploaded content will appear under your user account. For example, if your username is *test_user* then you may find all your work at http://door43.org/u/test_user/. You can share your work with others online by giving them the link to the projects you have uploaded.
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If you upload your work from translationStudio or translationCore, then it will automatically appear online on Door43. All of your uploaded content will appear under your user account. For example, if your username is *test_user* then you may find all your work at http://door43.org/u/test_user/. You can share your work with others online by giving them the link to the projects you have uploaded.
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### Sharing Content Offline
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You may also generate and download documents from your project pages on Door43. Once you have these downloaded, you can transfer them to others however you would like, including printing and distributing hard copies.
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You can also generate and download documents from your project pages on Door43. Once you have downloaded these, you can transfer them to others however you would like, including printing and distributing paper copies.
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This committee can also choose the pastors and other leaders who will check the translation at the Accuracy and Validation stages.
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When it comes time, this committee can also make decisions about the format of the translation, how it will be distributed, and they can encourage the churches to use the translated Scriptures.
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When it comes time, this committee can also make decisions about the format of the translation and how it will be distributed. They can also encourage the churches to use the translated Scriptures.
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This committee should also plan for the maintenance of the translation after it has been translated and distributed. They may want to appoint someone to review the comments and suggestions for improvement that will come from the churches that use the translation. Door43 provides a place for people to access the translation and also to leave these kinds of comments.
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#### Typists
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If the translators themselves are not inputting the translation draft into a computer or tablet, then someone else on the team needs to do this. This needs to be someone who can type without making a lot of errors. This person also needs to know how to use punctuation marks correctly and consistently. This person may also need to type the revisions and corrections to the translation after each round of checking.
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If the translators themselves are not typing the translation draft into a computer or tablet, then someone else on the team needs to do this. This needs to be someone who can type without making a lot of errors. This person also needs to know how to use punctuation marks correctly and consistently. This person may also need to type the revisions and corrections to the translation after each round of checking.
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#### Translation Testers
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[uW Website](http://www.unfoldingword.org)
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Note that HTML is also valid Markdown. For a complete listing of Markdown syntax please visit http://ufw.io/md.
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Note that HTML is also valid Markdown. For a complete listing of Markdown syntax, please visit http://ufw.io/md.
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### Conclusion
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Follow these steps in order to get started:
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1. **Organize.** Talk with the pastors and other believers from your language group and form a committee of people who can work together as a translation team.
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1. **Contact.** Make contact with at least one element of the unfoldingWord network, notifying unfoldingWord that you intend to begin translation. To get information about how to do that, see [Finding Answers](../../intro/finding-answers/01.md)
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1. **Review.** Review the [Translation Guidelines](../../intro/translation-guidelines/01.md).
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1. **Agree.** Agree that the Statement of Faith is an accurate reflection of your own beliefs and that you intend to translate the content in harmony with it and also in accordance with the Translation Guidelines by signing the form. (see http://ufw.io/forms/)
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1. **Pray.** Pray that God would help you to understand the passage that you are translating and that he would help you to find the best way to communicate that passage in your language.
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1. **Read.**
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2. **Contact.** Make contact with at least one person in the unfoldingWord network, notifying unfoldingWord that you intend to begin translation. To get information about how to do that, see [Finding Answers](../../intro/finding-answers/01.md)
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3. **Review.** Review the [Translation Guidelines](../../intro/translation-guidelines/01.md).
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4. **Agree.** Agree that the Statement of Faith is an accurate reflection of your own beliefs and that you intend to translate the content in harmony with it and also in accordance with the Translation Guidelines. Do this by signing the form that is provided. (see http://ufw.io/forms/)
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5. **Pray.** Pray that God would help you to understand the passage that you are translating and that he would help you to find the best way to communicate that passage in your language.
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6. **Read.**
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* If you are translating Open Bible Stories, read the entire story before starting to translate it. If you are translating the Bible, read the entire chapter before you start to translate any part of it. This way you will understand how the part you are translating fits into the larger context, and you will translate it better.
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* Read the passage that you plan to translate in as many different translations as you have. In [translationStudio](../../process/setup-ts/01.md), the first mode is the reading mode. Access this mode by clicking on the top symbol on the left side. You can choose up to three translations to show in this mode. We recommend that two of these be the unfoldingWord® Literal Text (ULT) and the unfoldingWord® Simplified Text (UST). The ULT will help you to see the form of the original text, and the UST will help you to understand the meaning of the original text. Think about how to communicate the meaning in the form that people would use in your language.
|
||||
* Read any Bible helps or commentaries that you have that talk about that passage.
|
||||
* Read any Bible helps or commentaries which you have that talk about that passage.
|
||||
* Read the unfoldingWord® Translation Notes for the passage that you plan to translate. To do this, click on the third icon down on the left side of translationStudio. Click on the tab that says, "Notes." Then click on each of the phrases in blue and read the explanation for each phrase.
|
||||
* Read the definitions of the unfoldingWord® Translation Words (the important words) in the passage. To do this, click on the tab that says, "Words." Then click on each of the words in blue and read the explanation for each of these important words. Under each explanation there is also a section called "Translation Suggestions." Here you will find ideas for how to translate these words.
|
||||
1. **Talk.** Discuss the passage, the unfoldingWord® Translation Notes, and the unfoldingWord® Translation Words with others in the translation team. Help each other to understand what they mean. If there are parts that you still do not understand, ask pastors or other church leaders for help.
|
||||
2. **Translate.** When you understand well what the passage is saying, say the first chunk (1-3 verses) out loud in your language in the way that someone from your language community would say it. If possible, say it to another member of the translation team. Let the translation team member correct it until it sounds good in your language. Do not follow [the order of words](../translate-wforw/01.md) from the source text if it is more [natural](../guidelines-natural/01.md) for your language to use a different order. To help with this, say the whole chunk of text without looking at the source text. This will help you to say these things in a way that is natural for your language, rather than in a way that was natural for the source language but that is not the best way to say it in your language. Still without looking at the source text, type your translation of the chunk into [translationStudio](../../process/setup-ts/01.md) (or record it). To do this, click on the second icon down on the left side. The chunk that you are working on will appear, covering the space where you will type the translation. When you are ready to type, click on the right edge of the space that is mostly covered by the source text of the passage. The blank space will then cover the source text. Type you translation of the chunk here in this space from your memory. When you type (or write) from your memory without looking at the source text, your translation will be more natural. Now repeat this step for the rest of the chunks of this passage.
|
||||
1. **Check**. Since you typed or recorded your translation of these chunks without looking at the source text, you might have left out a few things. Now is the time to add those things to your translation. Click on the third icon down on the left side of translationStudio again. In that mode:
|
||||
* Look again at the source text and carefully compare it to your translation. Make sure that it says all of the parts of the message of the source text and does not leave out anything. If some part of the message was missing, put it in your translation at the point where it fits best in your language. It does not need to be in the same order as the source as long as it sounds natural and gives the same meaning. To do this in translationStudio, click on the pencil icon on the top right above your translation.
|
||||
7. **Talk.** Discuss the passage, the unfoldingWord® Translation Notes, and the unfoldingWord® Translation Words with others in the translation team. Help each other to understand what they mean. If there are parts that you still do not understand, ask pastors or other church leaders for help.
|
||||
8. **Translate.** When you understand well what the passage is saying, say the first chunk (1-3 verses) out loud in your language in the way that someone from your language community would say it. If possible, say it to another member of the translation team. Let the translation team member correct it until it sounds good in your language. Do not follow [the order of words](../translate-wforw/01.md) from the source text if it is more [natural](../guidelines-natural/01.md) for your language to use a different order. To help with this, say the whole chunk of text without looking at the source text. This will help you to say these things in a way that is natural for your language, rather than in a way that was natural for the source language but might not be the best way to say it in your language. Still without looking at the source text, type your translation of the chunk into [translationStudio](../../process/setup-ts/01.md) (or record it). To do this, click on the second icon down on the left side. The chunk that you are working on will appear, covering the space where you will type the translation. When you are ready to type, click on the right edge of the space that is mostly covered by the source text of the passage. The blank space will then cover the source text. Type your translation of the chunk here in this space from your memory. When you type (or write) from your memory without looking at the source text, your translation will be more natural. Now repeat this step for the rest of the chunks of this passage.
|
||||
9. **Check**. Since you typed or recorded your translation of these chunks without looking at the source text, you might have left out some things. Now is the time to add those things to your translation. Click on the third icon down on the left side of translationStudio again. In that mode:
|
||||
* Look again at the source text and carefully compare it to your translation. Make sure that your translation says all of the parts of the message of the source text and does not leave out anything. If some part of the message is missing, put it in your translation at the point where it fits best in your language. It does not need to be in the same order as the source as long as it sounds natural and gives the same meaning. To do this in translationStudio, click on the pencil icon on the top right above your translation.
|
||||
* If you are translating the Bible, compare your translation with other translations of the same Bible passage. If one of those makes you think of a better way to say something, then revise your translation in that way. If one of those helps you to understand something better than you did before, then change your translation so that it communicates the meaning better.
|
||||
* After these steps, read your translation out loud to yourself. Fix anything that does not sound like it is the way that someone from your community would say it. Sometimes parts of sentences need to be put in a different order.
|
||||
* In translationStudio, exit editing mode by clicking the check mark icon at the top right of your translation. Now it is time to move the verse numbers where they should be in your translation. Drag each number onto the word that will begin that verse. If your translation has reordered the parts of the chunk or combined verses, you can leave some verse numbers together to indicate that what follows includes content from both of those verses.
|
||||
|
|
|
@ -1,14 +1,14 @@
|
|||
|
||||
Bible translations that are **collaborative** are those that have been translated by a group of speakers of the same language. To ensure that your translation is of the highest quality, work together with other believers who speak your language to translate, check, and distribute the translated content.
|
||||
|
||||
Here are some ways to have others help improve the quality of the translation.
|
||||
Here are some ways of including others that can help improve the quality of the translation.
|
||||
|
||||
* Read the translation out loud to someone. Have him notice if the sentences connect well. Ask that person to point to words or phrases that do not sound right or are unclear. Make changes so that it sounds as if someone from your community is speaking.
|
||||
* Read the translation out loud to someone. Have him notice if the sentences connect well. Ask that person to point out words or phrases that do not sound right or are unclear. Make changes so that it sounds as if someone from your community is speaking.
|
||||
* Ask someone to read your translation to check your spelling. You may have spelled a word differently when it was not necessary. Some words change in different situations, but some words can stay the same in every situation. Take note of these changes, so others can know what decisions you have made on the spelling of your language.
|
||||
* Ask yourself if the way you wrote can be recognized easily by speakers of different dialects in your language community. Ask others how they would say something that is not clear in your translation.
|
||||
* Ask yourself if the way you wrote can be recognized easily by speakers of different dialects in your language community. If there is something that is not clear in your translation, ask others how they would say it.
|
||||
|
||||
Make changes to the translation before you distribute it to a wider audience.
|
||||
|
||||
Remember, if possible, work together with other believers who speak your language to translate, check, and distribute the translated content, ensuring that it is of the highest quality and that as many people as possible can read and understand it.
|
||||
Remember: if possible, work together with other believers who speak your language to translate, check, and distribute the translated content, ensuring that it is of the highest quality and that as many people as possible can read and understand it.
|
||||
|
||||
(You may also want to watch the video at http://ufw.io/guidelines_collab.)
|
|
@ -7,7 +7,7 @@ An **equal** translation communicates any expressive meaning from the source lan
|
|||
|
||||
**Description** - Usually idioms cannot be translated literally into another language. The meaning of the idiom has to be expressed in a way that is natural in the other language.
|
||||
|
||||
Here are three translations, all with the same meaning, of Acts 18:6:
|
||||
For example, these three translations all have the same meaning. See Acts 18:6:
|
||||
|
||||
* “Your blood be upon your heads! I am innocent.” (RSV)
|
||||
* “If you are lost, you yourselves must take the blame for it! I am not responsible.” (GNB)
|
||||
|
@ -45,7 +45,7 @@ It is the **real meaning** of the whole figure of speech that should be translat
|
|||
|
||||
**Description** - Rhetorical questions are a type of question that does not expect an answer or ask for information. They usually express some kind of emotion and can be intended as a rebuke, a warning, to express surprise, or something else.
|
||||
|
||||
See, for example, Matthew 3:7: “You offspring of poisonous snakes, who warned you to flee from the wrath that is coming?”
|
||||
For example, see Matthew 3:7: “You offspring of poisonous snakes, who warned you to flee from the wrath that is coming?”
|
||||
|
||||
Here no answer is expected. The speaker is not asking for information; he is rebuking his hearers. It does no good to warn these people of God’s wrath, because they refuse the only way to escape it: to repent of their sins.
|
||||
|
||||
|
@ -57,7 +57,7 @@ You may need to restate this rhetorical question as a statement when you transla
|
|||
|
||||
**Definition** - Languages use exclamations to communicate emotion. Sometimes the exclamation word or words do not have meaning other than the expression of emotion, such as the words “alas” or “wow” in English.
|
||||
|
||||
See, for example, 1 Samuel 4:8: **Woe to us**! Who will protect us from the strength of these mighty gods? (ULT)
|
||||
For example, see 1 Samuel 4:8: **Woe to us**! Who will protect us from the strength of these mighty gods? (ULT)
|
||||
|
||||
The Hebrew word translated as “woe” here expresses strong emotion about something bad happening. If possible, try to find an exclamation in your language that communicates this same emotion.
|
||||
|
||||
|
@ -67,7 +67,7 @@ The Hebrew word translated as “woe” here expresses strong emotion about some
|
|||
|
||||
**Description** - Poetry does this through many different ways that can be different in different languages. These ways can include everything discussed so far, such as figures of speech and exclamations. Poetry might also use grammar differently than ordinary speech, or use wordplays or words with similar sounds or certain rhythms to convey emotion.
|
||||
|
||||
See, for example, Psalm 36:5:
|
||||
For example, see Psalm 36:5:
|
||||
Your covenant faithfulness, Yahweh, [reaches] to the heavens;
|
||||
your loyalty [reaches] to the clouds. (ULT)
|
||||
|
||||
|
|
|
@ -6,9 +6,9 @@ A **historical definition** translation communicates historical events and facts
|
|||
To communicate well with historical accuracy, you need to remember two things:
|
||||
|
||||
1. The Bible is a historical document. The events of the Bible happened in the way that the Bible describes at different times in history. Therefore, when you translate the Bible, you need to communicate that these events happened, and do not change any of the details of what happened.
|
||||
1. The books of the Bible were written down at specific times in history for people of a certain culture. This means that some things in the Bible that were very clear to the original hearers and readers will not be clear to those who read the Bible in different times and in different cultures. This is because both the writer and the readers were familiar with many of the practices that the writer wrote about, and so the writer did not need to explain them. We, from other times and cultures, are not familiar with these things, and so we need someone to explain them to us. This kind of information is called “implicit (or implied) information.” (see [Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information”](../figs-explicit/01.md))
|
||||
1. The books of the Bible were written down at specific times in history for people of a certain culture. This means that some things in the Bible that were very clear to the original hearers and readers will not be clear to those who read the Bible in different times and in different cultures. This is because both the writer and the readers were familiar with many of the practices that the writer wrote about, so the writer did not need to explain them. We, from other times and cultures, are not familiar with these things, so we need someone to explain them to us. This kind of information is called “implicit (or implied) information.” (see [Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information”](../figs-explicit/01.md))
|
||||
|
||||
as translators, we need to translate the historical details accurately, but also provide some explanation when we think that our readers will need it so that they can understand what the translation is about.
|
||||
As translators, we need to translate the historical details accurately, but also provide some explanation when we think that our readers will need it so that they can understand what the translation is about.
|
||||
|
||||
* For example, Genesis 12:16 refers to camels. For readers in parts of the world where this animal is unknown, it might be good to provide a description. The best way to do this is in a footnote, or in a glossary entry such as the one in unfoldingWord® Translation Words.
|
||||
|
||||
|
|
|
@ -8,11 +8,11 @@ There are four main qualities of a good translation. It must be:
|
|||
* Accurate - see [Create Accurate Translations](../guidelines-accurate/01.md)
|
||||
* Church-Approved - see [Create Church-Approved Translations](../guidelines-church-approved/01.md)
|
||||
|
||||
We can think of each of these qualities as a leg of a four-legged stool. Each one is necessary. If one is missing, the stool will not stand. Likewise, each of these qualities must be present in a translation in order for it to be useful and faithful to the church.
|
||||
We can think of each of these qualities as a leg of a four-legged stool. Each one is necessary. If one is missing, the stool will not stand. Likewise, each of these qualities must be present in a translation in order for it to be faithful to God's Word and useful to the church.
|
||||
|
||||
#### Clear
|
||||
|
||||
Use whatever language structures are necessary to achieve the highest level of comprehension. This includes simplifying concepts, rearranging the form of a text, and using as many or as few terms as necessary to communicate the original meaning as accurately as possible. To learn how to make Clear Translations, see [Create Clear Translations](../guidelines-clear/01.md).
|
||||
Use whatever language structures are necessary to achieve the highest level of understanding. This includes simplifying concepts, rearranging the form of a text, and using as many or as few terms as necessary to communicate the original meaning as accurately as possible. To learn how to make Clear Translations, see [Create Clear Translations](../guidelines-clear/01.md).
|
||||
|
||||
#### Natural
|
||||
|
||||
|
@ -24,7 +24,7 @@ Translate accurately, without detracting from, changing, or adding to the meanin
|
|||
|
||||
#### Church-Approved
|
||||
|
||||
If a translation is clear, natural and accurate, but the church does not approve of it or accept it, then it does not achieve the final goal of edifying the church. It is important that the church be involved in the translation, checking, and distribution of the translation. To learn how to make Church-Approved Translations, see [Create Church-Approved Translations](../guidelines-church-approved/01.md).
|
||||
If a translation is clear, natural and accurate, but the church does not approve of it or accept it, then it will not achieve the final goal of edifying the church. It is important that the church be involved in the translation, checking, and distribution of the translation. To learn how to make Church-Approved Translations, see [Create Church-Approved Translations](../guidelines-church-approved/01.md).
|
||||
|
||||
### Six Other Qualities
|
||||
|
||||
|
|
|
@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ In order for a translation to sound natural, sometimes it is necessary to create
|
|||
|
||||
When preparing to translate, it is often helpful to rewrite the passage, breaking long sentences up into shorter sentences. This can help you to see the meaning more clearly and translate it better. In many languages, it is good style to have shorter sentences, or, when sentences are longer, to avoid having complicated sentences. So in re-expressing the meaning in the Target Language, it is sometimes necessary to break up some of the original long sentences into several shorter sentences. Because many languages use sentences with only one or two clause groupings, the shorter sentences will give a sense of naturalness. The shorter sentences will also give readers a better understanding, because the meaning will be clearer. Be sure to include clear connection words between the new, shorter clauses and sentences.
|
||||
|
||||
To make shorter sentences from longer, more complex sentences, identify the words in the sentence that relate directly to each other, that is, that belong together to form a clause. Generally, each verb or action word has words on either side of it that point back to or forward to the action of the verb. A grouping of words like this that can stand on its own may be written as an independent clause or a simple sentence. Keep each of those groups of words together and in that way divide the sentence into its separate ideas or parts. Read the new sentences to make sure they still make sense. If there is a problem, you may need to divide the long sentence in a different way. When you understand the message of the new sentences, translate them into the target language, making sentences that are a natural length and connect them in a natural way. Then test your translation by reading it to a member of the language community to see if it sounds natural.
|
||||
To make shorter sentences from longer, more complex sentences, identify the words in the sentence that relate directly to each other, that is, that belong together to form a clause. Generally, each verb or action word has words on either side of it that point backward or forward to the action of the verb. A grouping of words like this that can stand on its own may be written as an independent clause or a simple sentence. Keep each of those groups of words together and in that way divide the sentence into its separate ideas or parts. Read the new sentences to make sure they still make sense. If there is a problem, you may need to divide the long sentence in a different way. When you understand the message of the new sentences, translate them into the target language, making sentences that are a natural length and connect them in a natural way. Then test your translation by reading it to a member of the language community to see if it sounds natural.
|
||||
|
||||
#### Write the Way Your People Talk
|
||||
|
||||
|
|
|
@ -2,9 +2,9 @@
|
|||
Bible translations should be **ongoing**. Share the translation with others to see if they understand the meaning of the message. Improve your translation with their input. Revising a translation to increase understanding and accuracy is always a good idea. Whenever someone has a good idea for making the translation better, you should edit the translation to incorporate that change. When you use translationStudio or other electronic text editors, you can keep this process of revision and improvement ongoing.
|
||||
|
||||
* Reviewers are needed who can read the translation and point to text that needs revision.
|
||||
* Have people read the translation or listened to a recording of the translation. This will help you know if the translation has the same impact in your community that it had among the original audience (for example: giving comfort, encouragement, or guidance).
|
||||
* Ask others to read the translation or listen to a recording of the translation. This will help you know if the translation has the same impact in your community that it had among the original audience (for example: giving comfort, encouragement, or guidance).
|
||||
* Continue to make corrections to the translation that will make it more accurate, more clear, and more natural. The goal is always to make it communicate the same meaning as the source text.
|
||||
|
||||
Remember, encourage people to review the translation and to give you ideas for making it better. Talk to other people about these ideas. When several people agree that these are good ideas, then make these changes in the translation. In this way, the translation will get better and better.
|
||||
Remember: encourage people to review the translation and give you ideas for making it better. Talk to other people about these ideas. When several people agree that these are good ideas, then make these changes in the translation. In this way, the translation will get better and better.
|
||||
|
||||
(You may also want to watch the video at http://ufw.io/guidelines_ongoing.)
|
|
@ -39,3 +39,4 @@ Each person of God is fully God and is called “God” in the Bible.
|
|||
Each person is also distinct from the other two persons. All three persons can appear separately at the same time. In the verses below, God the Son is baptized while God the Spirit comes down and God the Father speaks from heaven.
|
||||
> After he was baptized, <u>Jesus</u> came up…from the water…He saw the <u>Spirit</u> of God coming down…, and a <u>voice</u> [the Father’s] came out of the heavens saying, “This is my Beloved <u>Son</u>…” (Matthew 3:16-17 ULT)
|
||||
|
||||
As Christians, we must always remember that, since we are humans and do not have the mind of God, we cannot fully understand how all three persons of the Holy Trinity are fully God, and yet God is only one being. The Holy Trinity is a divine mystery that we confess by faith, based on the witness of God's inspired Word.
|
|
@ -39,12 +39,12 @@ The terms “Father” and “Son” also communicate that the Father and the So
|
|||
|
||||
**Human fathers and sons are not perfect, but the Bible still uses those terms for the <u>Father</u> and <u>Son</u>, who are perfect.**
|
||||
|
||||
Just as today, human father-son relationships during Bible times were never as loving or perfect as the relationship between Jesus and his Father. But this does not mean that the translator should avoid the concepts of father and son. The scriptures use these terms to refer to God, the perfect Father and Son, as well as to sinful human fathers and sons. In referring to God as Father and Son, choose words in your language that are widely used to refer to a human “father” and “son.” In this way you will communicate that God the Father and God the Son are essentially the same (they are both God), just as a human father and son are essentially the same, both human and sharing the same characteristics.
|
||||
Just as today, human father-son relationships during Bible times were never as loving or perfect as the relationship between Jesus and his Father. But this does not mean that the translator should avoid the concepts of father and son. The Scriptures use these terms to refer to God, the perfect Father and Son, as well as to sinful human fathers and sons. In referring to God as Father and Son, choose words in your language that are widely used to refer to a human “father” and “son.” In this way you will communicate that God the Father and God the Son are of the same divine essence (they are both God), just as a human father and son are of the same human essence (they are both human and share the same human characteristics).
|
||||
|
||||
### Translation Strategies
|
||||
|
||||
1. Think through all the possibilities that your language has to translate the words “son” and “father.” Determine which words in your language best represent the divine “Son” and “Father.”
|
||||
1. If your language has more than one word for “son,” use the word that has the closest meaning to “only son” (or “first son” if necessary).
|
||||
1. If your language has more than one word for “father,” use the word that has the closest meaning to “birth father,” rather than “adoptive father.”
|
||||
1. Think through all the possibilities within your language to translate the words “son” and “father.” Determine which words in your language best represent the divine “Son” and “Father.”
|
||||
2. If your language has more than one word for “son,” use the word that has the closest meaning to “only son” (or “first son” if necessary).
|
||||
3. If your language has more than one word for “father,” use the word that has the closest meaning to “birth father,” rather than “adoptive father.”
|
||||
|
||||
(See *God the Father* and *Son of God* pages in [unfoldingWord® Translation Words](http://ufw.io/tw/) for help translating “Father” and “Son.”)
|
||||
|
|
|
@ -10,18 +10,15 @@ The leaders of the church networks that will be involved in the translation shou
|
|||
* Do people respect the way this person speaks their own language?
|
||||
* What is the age and local language background of each translator? It is usually good to have people from different places in the language area and of different ages, because people of different places and ages might use the language differently. These people then need to agree on a way to say things that sound good to all of them.
|
||||
|
||||
1. Does the person have a very good understanding of the source language?
|
||||
2. Does the person have a very good understanding of the source language?
|
||||
|
||||
* What level of education have they received, and how have they obtained skills in the source language?
|
||||
* Does the Christian community recognize that this person has adequate skills to speak the source language and an education sufficient to use the Notes or other exegetical helps provided?
|
||||
* Can the person read and write the source language with fluency and understanding?
|
||||
|
||||
1. Is the person respected in the community as a follower of Christ? The person must be humble and willing to listen to suggestions or corrections from others concerning his or her translation work. The person must be always willing to learn from others.
|
||||
3. Is the person respected in the community as a follower of Christ? The person must be humble and willing to listen to suggestions or corrections from others concerning his or her translation work. The person must be always willing to learn from others.
|
||||
|
||||
* How long have they been a Christian, and are they in good standing with their Christian community?
|
||||
* How has this person shown himself to be committed to Christ as a disciple? Bible translation is difficult, involves many revisions, and requires dedication to the task.
|
||||
|
||||
After the translators have been working for awhile, the translation committee will need to make sure that they are working well. They may ask:
|
||||
|
||||
* Does their work meet the expectations of their fellow translators and local church leaders? (Has the translator been willing to work with others in testing and checking their translation?)
|
||||
|
||||
After the translators have been working for awhile, the translation committee will need to make sure that they are working well. They may ask: Has the translator been willing to work with others in testing and checking their translation? Does their work meet the expectations of their fellow translators and local church leaders?
|
||||
|
|
|
@ -1,26 +1,26 @@
|
|||
|
||||
### A translator is like a hunter
|
||||
|
||||
A translator is like a hunter, who must aim his gun at an animal if he wants to hit it. He must know the kind of animal he is hunting, because a hunter does not shoot birds with the same kind of bullets that he would use to kill an antelope, for example.
|
||||
A translator is like a hunter, who must aim his weapon at an animal if he wants to hit it. He must know the kind of animal he is hunting, because a hunter does not always use the same kind of weapon for every animal. For example, a hunter will use a very different kind of spear when hunting fish than when hunting a very large animal such as a tiger or an elephant.
|
||||
|
||||
It is the same when we speak to other people. We do not speak to young children with exactly the same words that we would say to an adult. Neither do we speak to our friends in exactly the same way we would speak to the president or ruler of our country.
|
||||
|
||||
In all these cases, we decide to use different words and expressions. For example, if I am sharing the gospel with a young child, I should not say to him, “Repent, and the Lord will give you his grace.” Instead, I should say something like, “Be sorry for the wrong things you have done, and tell Jesus that you are sorry. Then he will welcome you, because he loves you.”
|
||||
|
||||
In every language, there are words that only adults use, words that children have not yet learned. Of course, the children will eventually learn to use many of these words. But if you say too many of these words to children at the same time, they will find it very difficult to understand you.
|
||||
In every language, there are words that only adults use, words that children have not yet learned. Of course, children will eventually learn to use many of these words. But if you say too many of these words to children at the same time, they will find it very difficult to understand you.
|
||||
|
||||
In addition, languages are like trees that grow new leaves and lose old ones: new words are always forming in languages, and some words are always dropping out of use. These words die and drop like leaves; they are words that the old people know but that the younger people never learn to use. After the older generation is gone, these old words will no longer be used in the language. Even if they are written down, in a dictionary for example, as they should be, the younger people will probably not use them again.
|
||||
In addition, languages are like trees that grow new leaves and lose old ones: new words are always forming in languages, and some words are always dropping out of use. These words die and drop like leaves; they are words that the old people know but that the younger people never learn to use. After the older generation is gone, these old words will no longer be used in the language. Even if they are written down (in a dictionary, for example) as they should be, the younger people will probably not use them again.
|
||||
|
||||
For these reasons, Bible translators must decide who are the people that they will aim their translation at. Here are their choices:
|
||||
For these reasons, Bible translators must decide which people they will aim their translation at. Here are their choices:
|
||||
|
||||
#### Aim to the Future
|
||||
|
||||
Translators can aim their translation at young mothers and their children who speak the target language, because these people represent the future of their language. If translators work in this way, they will avoid using old words that the younger people are not learning. Instead, they will use ordinary, everyday words as much as possible. In addition, such translators will follow these other rules:
|
||||
|
||||
1. They do not try to transliterate common Bible words from other languages into the target language. For example, this means that they will not try to transform the Bible word “synagogue” into something like “sinagog” and then try to teach its meaning to the people. They will not try to transform the Bible word “angel” into something like “enjel” and then try to teach its meaning to the target language readers.
|
||||
1. They do not try to invent new words to signal ideas that they find in the Bible. For example, if the target language has no word that signals all the aspects included in “grace” or “sanctify,” translators do not make up new words for them. Instead, they will find phrases suitable for expressing the main part of the word’s meaning in the Bible passage that they are working on.
|
||||
1. They remember not to take known words in the target language and stuff them with new meaning. They know that if they try this, the people will simply ignore the new meaning. As a result, the people will misunderstand the meaning that you want the text to communicate.
|
||||
1. They remember to express the biblical ideas in ways that are clear and natural. (See: [Create Clear Translations](../guidelines-clear/01.md), [Create Natural Translations](../guidelines-natural/01.md))
|
||||
2. They do not try to invent new words to signal ideas that they find in the Bible. For example, if the target language has no word that signals all the aspects included in “grace” or “sanctify,” translators do not make up new words for them. Instead, they will find phrases suitable for expressing the main part of the word’s meaning in the Bible passage that they are working on.
|
||||
3. They do not take known words in the target language and give new meaning(s) to them. They know that if they try this, the people will simply ignore the new meaning. As a result, the people will misunderstand the meaning that they want the text to communicate.
|
||||
4. They express the biblical ideas in ways that are clear and natural in the target language. (See: [Create Clear Translations](../guidelines-clear/01.md), [Create Natural Translations](../guidelines-natural/01.md))
|
||||
|
||||
When translators follow these rules, we call the result a common language version. If you are working to provide a language with its first Bible, then we recommend that you follow these guidelines. Common language versions in English include Today’s English Version and The Common English Bible. But remember that your target language will probably want to express many ideas in ways that are very different from what you find in these English versions.
|
||||
|
||||
|
@ -29,7 +29,7 @@ When translators follow these rules, we call the result a common language versio
|
|||
Translators can aim their translation at Christians who want to study the Bible in a way that is deeper than the way it is read by new Christians. Translators may decide to do this if the target language already has a good Bible that speaks well to unbelievers and new believers. If translators work in this way, they may decide to:
|
||||
|
||||
1. Try to imitate more of the grammatical structures they find in the biblical languages. For example, when the Bible says, “The love of God,” translators might decide to leave the expression ambiguous. If they do this, they will not decide whether it means “the love that people have for God” or “the love that God has for people.” When the Bible says, “the love that we have in Christ Jesus,” translators might decide not to say that it means “because of Christ Jesus” or “united to Christ Jesus.”
|
||||
1. Try to say what Greek or Hebrew words “stand behind” various expressions in translation. For example, they can do this with footnotes.
|
||||
1. Try to invent new expressions in the target language that signal more of the meaning carried by biblical words. If translators do this, they must become creative with the target language.
|
||||
2. Try to say what Greek or Hebrew words “stand behind” various expressions in translation. For example, they can do this with footnotes.
|
||||
3. Try to invent new expressions in the target language that signal more of the meaning carried by biblical words. If translators do this, they must become creative with the target language.
|
||||
|
||||
We do not recommend that you follow this second path unless the target language already has a Bible translation that communicates in a clear and natural way.
|
||||
|
|
|
@ -1,18 +1,19 @@
|
|||
|
||||
|
||||
### Creating an Alphabet
|
||||
|
||||
If your language has not been written down before, then you will need to create an alphabet so that you can write it. There are many things to think about when creating an alphabet, and creating a good one can be very difficult. If this seems to be too difficult, you could do an audio translation instead of a written one.
|
||||
|
||||
The goal of a good alphabet is to have one letter to represent each different sound of your language.
|
||||
|
||||
If a neighboring language already has an alphabet, and if that language has similar sounds to your language, it might work well to simply borrow their alphabet. If not, then the next best thing is to borrow the alphabet from the national language that you learned in school. However, it is likely that your language has sounds that the national language does not, and so it will be difficult to use this alphabet to represent all of the sounds of your language. In that case, it is good to think about each sound in your language. Write out the national language alphabet on a piece of paper from top to bottom. Then write a word from your language next to each letter that either starts with that sound or has that sound in it. Underline the letter that makes that sound in each of the words.
|
||||
If a neighboring language already has an alphabet, and if that language has similar sounds to your language, it might work well to simply borrow their alphabet. If not, then the next best thing is to borrow the alphabet from the national language that you learned in school. However, it is likely that your language has sounds that the national language does not have, so it will be difficult to use this alphabet to represent all of the sounds of your language. In that case, it is good to think about each sound in your language. Write out the national language alphabet on a piece of paper from top to bottom. Then write a word from your language next to each letter that either starts with that sound or has that sound in it. Underline the letter that makes that sound in each of the words.
|
||||
|
||||
There may be letters in the national alphabet that your language does not use. That is fine. Now think about the sounds from these words that you had a hard time writing, or that you could not find a letter for. If the sound is similar to a sound that you did find a letter for, then maybe you can modify that letter to represent the other sound. For example, if you have a sound represented by “s”, and a similar sound that there was no letter for, you could add a mark to the letter for the similar sound, such as putting ‘ or ^ or ~ on top of it. If you find that there is a group of sounds that seem to all have the same kind of difference from the national language sounds, then it is good to modify that group of letters in the same way.
|
||||
There may be letters in the national alphabet that your language does not use. That is fine. Now think about the sounds from these words that you had a hard time writing, or sounds that you could not find a letter for. If the sound is similar to a sound that you did find a letter for, then maybe you can modify that letter to represent the other sound. For example, if you have a sound represented by “s”, and a similar sound that there was no letter for, you could add a mark to the letter for the similar sound, such as putting ‘ or ^ or ~ on top of it. If you find that there is a group of sounds that seem to all have the same kind of difference from the national language sounds, then it is good to modify that group of letters in the same way.
|
||||
|
||||
Once you have finished this exercise and cannot think of any more sounds in your language, try writing a story or write down something that happened recently. As you write, you will probably discover sounds that you had not thought of earlier. Continue to modify letters so that you can write these sounds. Add these sounds to the list you made earlier.
|
||||
|
||||
Take your list of sounds to other speakers of your language who also read the national language and see what they think about it. Maybe they can suggest a different way to modify some letters that is simpler or easier to read. Also show these other people the story you wrote and teach them to read it by referring to your list of words and letter-sounds. If they can learn to read it easily, then your alphabet is good. If it is difficult, then there might be parts of the alphabet that still need work to be simpler, or there may be different sounds that are being represented by the same letter, or there may be some sounds that you still need to find letters for.
|
||||
Take your list of sounds to other speakers of your language who also read the national language and see what they think about it. Maybe they can suggest a different way to modify some letters that is simpler or easier to read. Also show these other people the story you wrote and teach them to read it by referring to your list of words and letter-sounds. If they can learn to read it easily, then your alphabet is good. If it is difficult, then there might be parts of the alphabet that still need work to make it simpler, or there may be different sounds that are being represented by the same letter, or there may be some sounds that you still need to find letters for.
|
||||
|
||||
It is good to continue to work on this alphabet together with other speakers of your language who are good readers in the national language. You can discuss the different sounds and decide on the best way to represent them together.
|
||||
It is good to continue to work on this alphabet together with other speakers of your language who are good readers in the national language. You can discuss the different sounds and decide together on the best way to represent them.
|
||||
|
||||
If the national language uses a writing system other than the Roman alphabet, then think about the different marks that you could use to modify the symbols so that they can represent the sounds of your language. It is best if you can mark the symbols in ways that can be reproduced on a computer. (You can experiment with the writing systems in a word processor or with the keyboards in translationKeyboard. http://ufw.io/tk/) If you need help creating a keyboard, send an email request to <help@door43.org> . When you use symbols that can be typed on a computer keyboard, then your translation can be stored, copied, and distributed electronically, and then people can get it for no cost and read it on tablets or cell phones.
|
||||
If the national language uses a writing system other than the Roman alphabet, then think about the different marks that you could use to modify the symbols so that they can represent the sounds of your language. It is best if you can mark the symbols in ways that can be reproduced on a computer. (You can experiment with the writing systems in a word processor or with the keyboards in translationKeyboard. http://ufw.io/tk/) If you need help creating a keyboard, send an email request to <help@door43.org> . When you use symbols that can be typed on a computer keyboard, then your translation can be stored, copied, and distributed electronically. Then people can get it for no cost and read it on tablets or cell phones.
|
|
@ -21,7 +21,7 @@ Something that is added to a word that changes its meaning. This could be at the
|
|||
|
||||
#### Root
|
||||
|
||||
The most basic part of a word; what is left when all the affixes are removed.
|
||||
The most basic part of a word. The root is what is left when all the affixes are removed.
|
||||
|
||||
#### Morpheme
|
||||
|
||||
|
@ -30,9 +30,9 @@ A word or a part of a word that has a meaning and that contains no smaller part
|
|||
### How Syllables Make Words
|
||||
|
||||
Every language has sounds which combine to form syllables. An affix of a word or the root of a word may have a single syllable, or it may have a number of syllables. Sounds combine to make syllables which also join together to make morphemes. Morphemes work together to make meaningful words.
|
||||
It is important to understand the way syllables are formed in your language and how those syllables influence one another so that spelling rules can be formed and people can more easily learn to read your language.
|
||||
It is important to understand the way syllables are formed in your language and how those syllables influence one another so that spelling rules can be written and people can more easily learn to read your language.
|
||||
|
||||
Vowel sounds are the basic part of syllables. English has only five vowels symbols, “a, e, i, o, u”, but it has up to 11 vowel sounds that are written with vowel combinations and many other ways. The sounds of individual English vowels can be found in words such as, “beat, bit, bait, bet, bat, but, body, bought, boat, book, boot.”
|
||||
Vowel sounds are the basic part of syllables. English has only five vowel symbols, “a, e, i, o, u”. But English has up to 11 vowel sounds that are written with vowel combinations and many other ways. The sounds of individual English vowels can be found in words such as, “beat, bit, bait, bet, bat, but, body, bought, boat, book, boot.”
|
||||
|
||||
[add articulation picture]
|
||||
|
||||
|
@ -40,9 +40,9 @@ Vowel sounds are the basic part of syllables. English has only five vowels symbo
|
|||
Position in the Mouth Front – Mid – Back
|
||||
Rounding (unrounded) (unrounded) (rounded)
|
||||
Tongue Height High i “beat” u “boot”
|
||||
Mid-High i “bit” u “book”
|
||||
Mid-High i “bit” u “book”
|
||||
Mid e “bait” u “but” o “boat”
|
||||
Low-Mid e “bet” o “bought”
|
||||
Low-Mid e “bet” o “bought”
|
||||
Low a “bat” a “body”
|
||||
|
||||
(Each of these vowels has its own symbol in the International Phonetic Alphabet.)
|
||||
|
@ -77,9 +77,9 @@ The **manner of articulation** describes how the airflow is slowed. It can come
|
|||
Nose – Continuant / m / n
|
||||
|
||||
|
||||
**Naming the sounds** can be done by calling their features. The sound of “b” is called a Voiced Bilabial (two lips) Stop. The sound of “f” is known as a Voicelss Labio-dental (lip-teeth) Fricative. The sound of “n” is called a Voiced Alveolar (Ridge) Nasal.
|
||||
**Naming the sounds** can be done by calling their features. The sound of “b” is called a Voiced Bilabial (meaning "two lips") Stop. The sound of “f” is known as a Voicelss Labio-dental (meaning "lip-teeth") Fricative. The sound of “n” is called a Voiced Alveolar (meaning "ridge") Nasal.
|
||||
|
||||
**Symbolizing the sounds** can be done one of two ways. Either we can use the symbol for that sound found in the International Phonetic Alphabet, or we can use well-known symbols from an alphabet known by the reader.
|
||||
**Symbolizing the sounds** can be done one of two ways. Either you can use the symbol for that sound found in the International Phonetic Alphabet, or you can use well-known symbols from an alphabet known by the reader.
|
||||
|
||||
**Consonant Chart** – a consonant symbol chart is offered here without mentioning the Articulators. As you explore the sounds of your language, listening for voicing and feeling the position of your tongue and lips when you make the sound, you can fill out the charts in this article with symbols to represent those sounds.
|
||||
|
||||
|
|
|
@ -60,4 +60,4 @@ From the unfoldingWord® Simplified Text
|
|||
|
||||
Notice that these translations have changed the word order to be more natural in English. Also, the word “fruits” no longer appears. In fact, the Living Bible translation uses almost none of the words in the ULT translation. Instead, rather than “fruits,” the meaning-based translations refer to “deeds” or to “the way you live.” “Fruits” in this verse is used as part of a metaphor. The meaning of “fruits” in this metaphor is “the things that a person does.” (See [Metaphor](../figs-metaphor/01.md).)
|
||||
|
||||
So these translations translated the meaning in context, rather than just the words. They also used more understandable phrases such as “turned from sin” or “turned away from your sinful behavior” rather than the single difficult word “repentance,” or they explained the word by saying, “repented of your sins and turned to God.” The meaning in all of them is the same, but the form is very different. In the meaning-based translations, the meaning is much clearer.
|
||||
So in these versions, the translators translated the meaning in context, rather than just the words. They also used more understandable phrases such as “turned from sin” or “turned away from your sinful behavior” rather than the single difficult word “repentance,” or they explained the word by saying, “repented of your sins and turned to God.” The meaning in all of them is the same, but the form is very different. In the meaning-based translations, the meaning is much clearer.
|
||||
|
|
|
@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
|
|||
|
||||
Two of the major terms used in translating text are “form” and “meaning.” These terms are used in special ways in Bible translation. They have the following definitions:
|
||||
|
||||
* **Form** - The structure of the language as it appears on the page or as it is spoken. “Form” refers to the way that the language is arranged-it includes the words, the word order, the grammar, idioms, and any other features of the structure of the text.
|
||||
* **Form** - The structure of the language as it appears on the page or as it is spoken. “Form” refers to the way that the language is arranged, including the words, the word order, the grammar, idioms, and any other features of the structure of the text.
|
||||
* **Meaning** - The underlying idea or concept that the text is trying to communicate to the reader or hearer. A speaker or writer can communicate the same meaning by using different forms of the language, and different people can understand different meanings from hearing or reading the same language form. In this way you can see that form and meaning are not the same thing.
|
||||
|
||||
### An Example
|
||||
|
@ -18,7 +18,7 @@ Why do you think the friend sent this note? Just to tell you about his week? Pro
|
|||
|
||||
* “I would like you to give me money.”
|
||||
|
||||
That is the primary **meaning** of the note that the sender wanted to communicate to you. It is not a report, but a request. However, it would be rude in some cultures to ask for money so directly-even from a friend. Therefore, he adjusted the **form** of the note to fill out the request and help you to understand his need. He wrote in a culturally acceptable way that presented his need for money but did not obligate you to respond. He explained why he had no money (his sick mother), that his need was only temporary (until he is paid), and that his situation was desperate (no food). In other cultures, a more direct form of request might be more appropriate to communicate this meaning.
|
||||
That is the primary **meaning** of the note that the sender wanted to communicate to you. It is not a report, but a request. However, it would be rude in some cultures to ask for money so directly, even from a friend. Therefore, he adjusted the **form** of the note to fill out the request and help you to understand his need. He wrote in a culturally acceptable way that presented his need for money but did not obligate you to respond. He explained why he had no money (his sick mother), that his need was only temporary (until he is paid), and that his situation was desperate (no food). In other cultures, a more direct form of request might be more appropriate to communicate this meaning.
|
||||
|
||||
#### The Form
|
||||
|
||||
|
|
|
@ -17,9 +17,9 @@ From the New Revised Standard Version
|
|||
|
||||
The first version puts the text into a form that is no different than the form it uses for telling stories. Each line of the Psalm is stated as a separate sentence.
|
||||
|
||||
In the second version, the text is arranged as lines of poetry are arranged in the target culture, with each line of the poem on a separate line of the page. Also, the first two lines are joined with a semi-colon, with the second line indented. These things indicate that the two lines are related-they say very similar things. The third and fourth lines also have the same arrangement.
|
||||
In the second version, the text is arranged as lines of poetry are arranged in the target culture, with each line of the poem on a separate line of the page. Also, the first two lines are joined with a semi-colon, with the second line indented. These things indicate that the two lines are related. They say very similar things. The third and fourth lines also have the same arrangement.
|
||||
|
||||
A reader of the second version will know that this Psalm is a poem or a song because of the form that it has, while the reader of the first version may not get that understanding, because it was not communicated through the form of the text. The reader of the first version might be confused, because the Psalm seems to be a song, but it is not presented as one. The words are expressing a joyful emotion. As a translator, you should use the form for expressing a joyful song in your language.
|
||||
A reader of the second version will know that this Psalm is a poem or a song because of its form, while the reader of the first version may not get that understanding, because it was not communicated through the form of the text. The reader of the first version might be confused, because the Psalm seems to be a song, but it is not presented as one. The words are expressing a joyful emotion. As a translator, you should use the form for expressing a joyful song in your language.
|
||||
|
||||
Look also at the form of 2 Samuel 18:33b in the New International Version:
|
||||
|
||||
|
@ -27,7 +27,7 @@ Look also at the form of 2 Samuel 18:33b in the New International Version:
|
|||
|
||||
Someone might say that the meaning contained in this part of the verse is, “I wish that I had died instead of my son Absalom.” This does summarize the meaning contained in the words. But the form communicates much more than just that content. The repetition of “my son” so many times, the repetition of the name “Absalom,” the expression “O,” the wish form “If only…” all communicate a strong emotion of deep anguish on the part of a father who has lost a son. As a translator, you need to translate not just the meaning of the words, but also the meaning of the form. For 2 Samuel 18:33b, it is important that you use a form that communicates the same emotion as contained in the original language.
|
||||
|
||||
So we need to examine the form of the biblical text and ask ourselves why it has that form and not some other one. What attitude or emotion is it communicating? Other questions that might help us to understand the meaning of the form are:
|
||||
So when you translate, you need to examine the form of the biblical text and ask yourself why it has that form and not some other one. What attitude or emotion is it communicating? Other questions that might help you to understand the meaning of the form are:
|
||||
|
||||
* Who wrote it?
|
||||
* Who received it?
|
||||
|
@ -35,8 +35,8 @@ So we need to examine the form of the biblical text and ask ourselves why it has
|
|||
* Which words and phrases were chosen and why?
|
||||
* Are the words very emotional words, or is there anything special about the order of the words?
|
||||
|
||||
When we understand the meaning of the form, then we can choose a form that has that same meaning in the target language and culture.
|
||||
When you understand the meaning of the form, then you can choose a form that has that same meaning in the target language and culture.
|
||||
|
||||
### Culture Affects Meaning
|
||||
|
||||
The meaning of forms is determined by culture. The same form might have different meanings in different cultures. In translation, the meaning must remain the same, including the meaning of the form. This means that the form of the text must change to fit the culture. The form includes the language of the text, its arrangement, any repetitions, or any expressions that imitate sounds like “O.” You must examine all of these things, decide what they mean, and then decide which form will express that meaning in the best way for the target language and culture.
|
||||
The meaning of forms is determined by culture. The same form might have different meanings in different cultures. In translation, the meaning must remain the same, including the meaning of the form. To achieve this, sometimes the form of the text must change to fit the culture of the target language. The form includes the language of the text, its arrangement, any repetitions, or any expressions that imitate sounds like “O.” You must examine all of these things, decide what they mean, and then decide which form will express that meaning in the best way for the target language and culture.
|
|
@ -22,8 +22,8 @@ We are used to thinking that the meaning of a text is in the words. But this mea
|
|||
* to quit
|
||||
* to concede
|
||||
* to supply
|
||||
* etc.
|
||||
* and others...
|
||||
|
||||
### Building the Larger Meaning
|
||||
|
||||
The translator must determine what each word means in each context, and then reproduce that same meaning in the translated text. That means that words cannot be translated individually, but only with the meaning that they have when they are combined together with the other words in the phrases, sentences, paragraphs, and chapters in which they form a part. That is why the translator must read the whole paragraph, chapter, or book that he is translating before starting to translate it. By reading the larger levels, he will understand how each of the lower levels fits into the whole, and will translate each part so that it communicates the meaning in a way that makes the most sense with the higher levels.
|
||||
The translator must determine what each word means in each context, and then reproduce that same meaning in the translated text. This means that words cannot be translated individually, but only with the meaning that they have when they are combined together with the other words in the phrases, sentences, paragraphs, and chapters in which they form a part. That is why the translator must read the whole paragraph, chapter, or book that he is translating before starting to translate it. By reading the larger levels, he will understand how each of the lower levels fits into the whole, and will translate each part so that it communicates the meaning in a way that makes the most sense with the higher levels.
|
|
@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
|
|||
|
||||
### Definition
|
||||
|
||||
Literal translations try to reproduce, as far as possible, the form of the source text.
|
||||
Literal translations try to reproduce the form of the source text as much as possible.
|
||||
|
||||
#### Other Names
|
||||
|
||||
|
@ -13,7 +13,7 @@ Literal translations are also called:
|
|||
|
||||
#### Form Over Meaning
|
||||
|
||||
A literal translation is one that focuses on reproducing the form of the source text in the target text, even if the meaning changes, or is hard to understand, as a result. An extreme version of a literal translation would not be a translation at all—it would have the same characters and words as the source language. The next closest step would be to replace each word in the source language with an equivalent word from the target language. Because of differences in grammar between languages, the target language audience would probably not understand this kind of translation. Some translators of the Bible wrongly believe that they should keep the word order of the source text in the target text and only substitute target language words for source language words. They wrongly believe that this shows respect for the source text as God’s word. But in fact this kind of translation keeps people from understanding God’s word. God wants people to understand his word, so it shows the greatest respect for the Bible and for God to translate the Bible so that people can understand it.
|
||||
A literal translation is one that focuses on reproducing the form of the source text in the target text, even if the meaning changes or is hard to understand as a result. An extreme version of a literal translation would not be a translation at all. Rather, it would be a copy. It would have the same characters and words as the source language. The next closest step would be to replace each word in the source language with an equivalent word from the target language. Because of differences in grammar between languages, the target language audience would probably not understand this kind of translation. Some translators of the Bible wrongly believe that they should keep the word order of the source text in the target text and only substitute target language words for source language words. They wrongly believe that this shows respect for the source text as God’s Word. But in fact this kind of translation keeps people from understanding God’s Word. God wants people to understand his Word, so it shows the greatest respect for the Bible and for God to translate the Bible so that people can understand it.
|
||||
|
||||
#### Weaknesses of Literal Translation
|
||||
|
||||
|
@ -30,4 +30,4 @@ Literal translations usually contain the following problems:
|
|||
|
||||
#### When to Translate Literally
|
||||
|
||||
The only time to translate literally is when translating Gateway Language Materials, such as the ULT, that will be used by Other Language translators. The purpose of the ULT is to show the translator what is in the original. Even so, the ULT is not strictly literal. It is a modified literal translation that uses the target language grammar so that readers can understand it (see the lesson [Modified Literal Translation](../translate-modifyliteral/01.md)). For the places where the ULT uses the original expressions in the Bible that may be difficult to understand, we have provided the translationNotes to explain them.
|
||||
The only time to translate literally is when translating Gateway Language Materials (such as the ULT) that will be used by Other Language translators. The purpose of the ULT is to show the translator what is in the original. Even so, the ULT is not strictly literal. It is a modified literal translation that uses the target language grammar so that readers can understand it (see the lesson [Modified Literal Translation](../translate-modifyliteral/01.md)). For the places where the ULT uses the original expressions in the Bible that may be difficult to understand, we have provided the translationNotes to explain them.
|
|
@ -7,10 +7,10 @@ Translators in general have different reasons for doing their work. Their reason
|
|||
|
||||
#### How do we as Bible translators usually expect to represent the biblical ideas?
|
||||
|
||||
There are various ways in which we can represent the ideas in a source text: we can put them into a list, we can summarize them using far less space on the written page, we can simplify them (as we often do in children’s Bible story books and in other kinds of Bible helps), or we can even put them into diagrams or charts. However, Bible translators usually try to present the biblical ideas as completely as possible. This also means that they try to produce in translation the same kinds of documents as the original documents (a prophecy for a prophecy, a letter for a letter, a book of history for a book of history, etc.) Also, they try to recreate the same **tensions** in the translation that exist in the source texts.
|
||||
There are various ways in which we can represent the ideas in a source text: we can put them into a list; we can summarize them using far less space on the written page; we can simplify them (as we often do in children’s Bible story books and in other kinds of Bible helps); or we can even put them into diagrams or charts. However, Bible translators usually try to present the biblical ideas as completely as possible. This also means that they try to produce in their translation the same kinds of documents as the original documents (a prophecy for a prophecy, a letter for a letter, a book of history for a book of history, etc.) Also, they try to recreate the same **tensions** in the translation that exist in the source texts.
|
||||
|
||||
#### What do we mean by “tension” in texts?
|
||||
|
||||
Examples of tension occur when a reader wonders what will happen next to the participants in a story, or when a reader follows the argument, encouragement, and warnings of an epistle writer or of a conversation that is reported in the text. A reader can feel tension when reading a psalm, since the praises of God affect the psalmist in various ways. When reading an Old Testament prophetic book, the reader can feel tension rise as the prophet condemns people for their sin, or as he warns them to turn back to God. Tension may also be felt when reading about God’s promises for the future, as one considers when God fulfilled those promises, or when he will fulfill them. Good translators study the kinds of tension in the source documents, and they try to recreate those tensions in the target language.
|
||||
|
||||
Another way to talk about recreating the tensions in the source text is to say that the translation should have the same effect on the target audience that the source text had on the original audience. For example, if the source text is a rebuke to the original audience, the target audience should also feel the translation as a rebuke. A translator will need to think about how the target language expresses rebukes and other types communication, so that the translation will have the right kind of effect on the target audience.
|
||||
Another way to talk about recreating the tensions in the source text is to say that the translation should have the same effect on the target audience that the source text had on the original audience. For example, if the source text is a rebuke to the original audience, the target audience should also feel the translation as a rebuke. A translator will need to think about how the target language expresses rebukes and other types of communication, so that the translation will have the right kind of effect on the target audience.
|
|
@ -1,9 +1,9 @@
|
|||
|
||||
### The Text in the Original Language is the most Accurate
|
||||
|
||||
**Definition** - The original language is the language in which a Bible text was initially written.
|
||||
**Definition** - The original language is the language in which a Bible text was first written.
|
||||
|
||||
**Description** - The original language of the New Testament is Greek. The original language of most of the Old Testament is Hebrew. However, the original language of some parts of the books of Daniel and Ezra is Aramaic. The original language is always the most accurate language from which to translate a passage.
|
||||
**Description** - The original language of the New Testament is Greek. The original language of most of the Old Testament is Hebrew. However, Aramaic is the original language of some parts of the books of Daniel and Ezra. The original language is always the most accurate language from which to translate a passage.
|
||||
|
||||
The source language is the language from which the translation is being made. If a translator is translating the Bible from the original languages, then the original language and the source language for his translation are the same. However, only people who have spent many years studying the original languages understand them and can use them as a source language. For that reason, most translators use Bibles that have been translated into a language of wider communication as their source language text.
|
||||
|
||||
|
|
|
@ -1,15 +1,15 @@
|
|||
|
||||
### The meaning of forms change
|
||||
|
||||
Literal translations keep the form of the source text in the target text. Some translators might want to do this because, as we saw in the teaching module “The Importance of Form,” the form of a text affects the meaning of the text. However, we must keep in mind that people from different cultures understand the meaning of forms differently. In different cultures, the same form may be understood in very different ways. Therefore it is not possible to protect the meaning from change by keeping the original forms. The only way to protect the meaning is to change the original form to a new form that communicates the same meaning in the new culture as the old form did in the old culture.
|
||||
Literal translations keep the form of the source text in the target text. As you saw in the teaching module “The Importance of Form,” some translators might want to do this because the form of a text affects the meaning of the text. However, you must remember that people from different cultures understand the meaning of forms differently. In different cultures, the same form may be understood in very different ways. Therefore it is not possible to protect the meaning from change by keeping the original forms. The only way to protect the meaning is to change the original form to a new form that communicates the same meaning in the new culture as the old form did in the old culture.
|
||||
|
||||
### Different languages use different orders of words and phrases
|
||||
|
||||
If you keep the source word order in your translation, it will be very difficult, and sometimes impossible, for the people who speak your language to understand it. You must use the natural word order of the target language so that people can understand the meaning of the text.
|
||||
If you keep the word order of the source text in your translation, it will be very difficult for the people who speak your language to understand it. Sometimes it will be impossible to understand. You must use the natural word order of the target language so that people can understand the meaning of the text.
|
||||
|
||||
### Different languages use different idioms and expressions
|
||||
|
||||
Each language has its own idioms and other expressions, such as words that represent sounds or emotions. In order to express the meaning of these things, you must choose an idiom or expression that has that same meaning in the target language, not just translate each word. If you just translate each word, the idiom or expression will have the wrong meaning.
|
||||
Each language has its own idioms and other expressions, such as words that represent sounds or emotions. In order to express the meaning of these things, you must choose an idiom or expression that has that same meaning in the target language, rather than simply translating each word. If you just translate each word, the idiom or expression will have the wrong meaning.
|
||||
|
||||
### Some terms do not have equivalents in other cultures
|
||||
|
||||
|
@ -17,6 +17,6 @@ The Bible contains many terms for things that no longer exist, such as ancient w
|
|||
|
||||
### The Bible was intended to be understood
|
||||
|
||||
The testimony of the Scriptures themselves shows that they were meant to be understood. The Bible is written in three languages because the language that God’s people used was different in different times. When the Jews returned from exile and no longer remembered Hebrew, the priests translated the Old Testament readings into Aramaic so they could understand (Neh 8:8). Later, when the New Testament was written, it was written in the common Koine Greek, which was the language that most people spoke at that time, rather than Hebrew or Aramaic or even classical Greek, which would have been harder for common people to understand.
|
||||
The Scriptures themselves show that they were meant to be understood. The Bible is written in three languages because the language that God’s people used was different in different times. When the Jews returned from exile and no longer remembered Hebrew, the priests translated the Old Testament readings into Aramaic so they could understand (Neh 8:8). Later, when the New Testament was written, it was written in the common Koiné Greek, which was the language that most people spoke at that time. The New Testament was not written in Hebrew, Aramaic or even classical Greek, which would have been harder for common people to understand.
|
||||
|
||||
These and other reasons demonstrate that God wants people to understand his word. So we know that he wants us to translate the meaning of the Bible, not reproduce the form. The meaning of the Scriptures is more important than the form.
|
|
@ -1,16 +1,16 @@
|
|||
|
||||
### How to Re-tell the Meaning
|
||||
|
||||
Following is a list of ordered steps. The purpose of these steps is to help the translator produce a translation that is natural, understandable, and accurate. One of the most common translator mistakes is failing to use the natural forms in the target language for developing a coherent text. By following these steps, the translator will produce a more natural and more understandable translation.
|
||||
A list of ordered steps is shown below. The purpose of these steps is to help the translator produce a translation that is natural, understandable, and accurate. One of the most common mistakes that translators make is failing to use the natural forms in the target language for developing a coherent text. By following these steps, the translator will produce a more natural and more understandable translation.
|
||||
|
||||
1. Read the entire chosen passage in the source language. The passage could be a paragraph or one thing that happened in a story, or even a whole section (in some Bibles, everything from one heading to the next heading). In a difficult text, a passage might be only one or two verses.
|
||||
1. Without looking at the text in the source language, verbally tell it in the target language. Although you might forget some parts, continue telling what you remember right to the end.
|
||||
1. Again, look at the source language text. Now tell everything again in the target language.
|
||||
1. Looking again at the source language text, focus only on the parts you forgot, and then re-tell it all in the target language by memory.
|
||||
1. After remembering the entire passage, write it exactly as it you re-told it by memory.
|
||||
1. Once written, look at the source language to see if you have overlooked some detail. Insert any such detail in the most natural place.
|
||||
1. If you do not understand something in the source text, write into the translation ‘[not understood]’ and continue writing the rest of the passage.
|
||||
1. Now, read what you wrote. Assess whether you understand it or not. Fix the parts that should be improved.
|
||||
1. Go on to the next section. Read it in the source language. Strictly follow steps 2 through 8.
|
||||
2. Without looking at the text in the source language, verbally tell it in the target language. Although you might forget some parts, continue telling what you remember right to the end.
|
||||
3. Again, look at the source language text. Now tell everything again in the target language.
|
||||
4. Looking again at the source language text, focus only on the parts you forgot, and then re-tell it all in the target language by memory.
|
||||
5. After remembering the entire passage, write it exactly as it you re-told it by memory.
|
||||
6. Once written, look at the source language to see if you have overlooked some detail. Insert any such detail in the most natural place.
|
||||
7. If you do not understand something in the source text, write into the translation ‘[not understood]’ and continue writing the rest of the passage.
|
||||
8. Now, read what you wrote. Assess whether you understand it or not. Fix the parts that should be improved.
|
||||
9. Go on to the next section. Read it in the source language. Strictly follow steps 2 through 8.
|
||||
|
||||
*Credits: Used by permission, © 2013, SIL International, Sharing Our Native Culture, p. 59.*
|
||||
|
|
|
@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
|
|||
|
||||
### Why Is It Important?
|
||||
|
||||
When choosing a source text from which to do a translation, considering the copyright/licensing issue is important for two reasons. First, if you translate from a copyrighted work without prior permission, you are breaking the law because translation is a right reserved for the owner of the content. In some places, copyright infringement is a criminal offense and may be prosecuted by the government without the copyright holder’s consent! Second, when a translation is done off of a copyrighted work, the translation is the intellectual property of the copyright holder of the source text. They maintain all the rights of the translation just as they do with the source text. For these and other reasons, unfoldingWord will only distribute translations that are not in violation of copyright law.
|
||||
When choosing a source text from which to do a translation, considering the copyright/licensing issue is important for two reasons. First, if you translate from a copyrighted work without prior permission, you are breaking the law because translation is a right reserved for the owner of the content. In some places, copyright infringement is a criminal offense and may be prosecuted by the government without the copyright holder’s consent! Second, when a translation is done from a copyrighted work, the translation is the intellectual property of the copyright holder of the source text. They maintain all the rights of the translation just as they do with the source text. For these and other reasons, unfoldingWord will only distribute translations that are not in violation of copyright law.
|
||||
|
||||
### What License Do We Use?
|
||||
|
||||
|
|
|
@ -3,12 +3,12 @@
|
|||
|
||||
When choosing a source text, there are a number of factors that must be considered:
|
||||
|
||||
* **[Statement of Faith](../../intro/statement-of-faith/01.md)** - Is the text in line with the Statement of Faith?
|
||||
* **[Translation Guidelines](../../intro/translation-guidelines/01.md)** - Is the text in line with the Translation Guidelines?
|
||||
* **[Statement of Faith](../../intro/statement-of-faith/01.md)** - Does the text agree with the Statement of Faith?
|
||||
* **[Translation Guidelines](../../intro/translation-guidelines/01.md)** - Does the text agree with the Translation Guidelines?
|
||||
* **Language** - Is the text in a suitable language that translators and checkers understand well?
|
||||
* **[Copyrights, Licensing, and Source Texts](../translate-source-licensing/01.md)** - Is the text released under a license that gives sufficient legal freedom?
|
||||
* **[Source Texts and Version Numbers](../translate-source-version/01.md)** - Is the text the latest, most updated version?
|
||||
* **[The Original and Source Languages](../translate-original/01.md)** - Does the translation team understand the difference between source languages and original languages?
|
||||
* **[Original Manuscripts](../translate-manuscripts/01.md)** - Does the translation team understand about Original Manuscripts and [Textual Variants](../translate-textvariants/01.md)?
|
||||
|
||||
It is important the the leaders of the churches in the language group agree that the source text is a good one. The Open Bible Stories are available in many source languages on http://ufw.io/stories/. There are also translations of the Bible there to be used as sources for translation in English, and soon other languages, as well.
|
||||
It is important that the leaders of the churches in the language group agree that the source text is a good one. The Open Bible Stories are available in many source languages on http://ufw.io/stories/. There are also translations of the Bible there to be used as sources for translation in English, and soon other languages, as well.
|
|
@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
|
|||
|
||||
### Importance of Version Numbers
|
||||
|
||||
Especially in an open project like unfoldingWord, it is important to keep track of published versions. It is important because translations (and source texts) can change frequently. Being able to identify each version helps bring clarity about which iteration is being talked about. Version numbers are also important because all translations should be based off of the latest source text. If the source text changes, the translation should eventually be updated to match the latest version.
|
||||
Especially in an open project like unfoldingWord, it is important to keep track of published versions. It is important because translations (and source texts) can change frequently. Being able to identify each version helps bring clarity about which text is actually being talked about. Version numbers are also important because all translations should be based off of the latest source text. If the source text changes, the translation should eventually be updated to match the latest version.
|
||||
|
||||
Before starting a translation project, please ensure that you have the latest version of the source text.
|
||||
|
||||
|
@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ Version numbers are only given when a work is released, not when they are edited
|
|||
|
||||
![](https://cdn.door43.org/ta/jpg/versioning.jpg)
|
||||
|
||||
Each source text is given a whole number for each release (version 1, 2, 3, etc). Any translations based on that source text will take the version number of the source text and add .1 (a translation from English OBS version 4 would become version 4.1). Any further translation based on the intermediate translation would add another .1 to the version number it was created from (for example 4.1.1). New releases of any of these texts increment their “decimal place” by 1.
|
||||
Each source text is given a whole number for each release (version 1, 2, 3, etc). Any translations based on that source text will take the version number of the source text and add .1 (thus, a translation from English OBS version 4 would become version 4.1). Any further translation based on the intermediate translation would add another .1 to the version number it was created from (for example 4.1.1). New releases of any of these texts increment their “decimal place” by 1.
|
||||
|
||||
Please see http://ufw.io/versioning for more details.
|
||||
|
||||
|
|
|
@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
|
|||
|
||||
### Important Words to Know
|
||||
|
||||
*Note: These are terms are used in this manual. The translator will need to understand these terms in order to use the Translation Manual.*
|
||||
*Note: These terms are used in this manual. The translator will need to understand these terms in order to use the Translation Manual.*
|
||||
|
||||
**Term** - A word or phrase that refers to one thing, idea, or action. For example, the term in English for pouring liquid into one’s mouth is “drink.” The term for a ceremony that marks an important transition in someone’s life is “rite of passage.” The difference between a term and a word is that a term can contain several words.
|
||||
|
||||
|
@ -9,7 +9,7 @@
|
|||
|
||||
**Context** - The words, phrases, sentences, and paragraphs surrounding the word, phrase, or sentence in question. The context is the text that surrounds the part of the text that you are examining. The meaning of individual words and phrases can change when they are in different contexts.
|
||||
|
||||
**Form** - The structure of the language as it appears on the page or as it is spoken. “Form” refers to the way that the language is arranged-it includes the words, the word order, the grammar, idioms, and any other features of the structure of the text.
|
||||
**Form** - The structure of the language as it appears on the page or as it is spoken. “Form” refers to the way that the language is arranged, including the words, the word order, the grammar, idioms, and any other features of the structure of the text.
|
||||
|
||||
**Grammar** - The way that sentences are put together in a language. This has to do with the order of its various parts, such as if the verb goes first or last or in the middle.
|
||||
|
||||
|
@ -47,11 +47,11 @@
|
|||
|
||||
**Passage** - A section of the Bible text that is being talked about. This can be as small as one verse, but it is usually several verses that together have one topic or tell one story.
|
||||
|
||||
**Gateway Language** - A Gateway Language (GL) is a language of wider communication that we have identified as being one of the languages into which we will translate all of our translation tools. The set of Gateway Languages is the smallest number of languages through which content can be delivered to every other language of the world, through translation by bilingual speakers.
|
||||
**Gateway Language** - A Gateway Language (GL) is a language of wider communication that we have identified as being one of the languages into which we will translate all of our translation tools. The set of Gateway Languages is the smallest number of languages through which content can be delivered to every other language of the world through translation by bilingual speakers.
|
||||
|
||||
**Other Language** - The Other Languages (OLs) are all of the languages of the world that are not Gateway Languages. We translate our Bible translation tools into the Gateway Languages so that people can use those tools to translate the Bible into the Other Languages.
|
||||
**Other Language** - The Other Languages (OLs) are all of the languages of the world that are not Gateway Languages. We will translate our Bible translation tools into the Gateway Languages so that people can use those tools to translate the Bible into the Other Languages.
|
||||
|
||||
**End-user Bible** - This is a Bible that people have translated so that it speaks in a natural way in the target language. It is meant to be used in churches and homes. In contrast, the ULT and UST are Bibles that are translation tools. They do not speak naturally in any language, because the ULT is a literal translation and the UST avoids using idioms and figures of speech, which a natural translation would use. Using these translation tools, a translator can produce an end-user Bible.
|
||||
|
||||
**Participant** - A participant is one of the actors in a sentence. This could be the person doing the action, or the person that is receiving the action, or mentioned as participating in some way. A participant could even be an object that is stated as participating in the action of the sentence. For example, in the following sentence, the participants are underlined: <u>John</u> and <u>Mary</u> sent <u>a letter</u> to <u>Andrew</u>. Sometimes participants are left unstated, but they are still part of the action. In this case, the participant is *implied*. For example, in the following sentence, there are only two participants stated: <u>Andrew</u> received <u>a letter</u>. The senders, John and Mary, are implied. In some languages, the implied participants must be stated.
|
||||
**Participant** - A participant is one of the actors in a sentence. This could be a person doing the action, or a person that is receiving the action, or a person mentioned as participating in some way. A participant could even be an object that is stated as participating in the action of the sentence. For example, in the following sentence, the participants are underlined: <u>John</u> and <u>Mary</u> sent <u>a letter</u> to <u>Andrew</u>. Sometimes participants are left unstated, but they are still part of the action. In these cases, the participant is *implied*. For example, in the following sentence, there are only two participants stated: <u>Andrew</u> received <u>a letter</u>. The senders, John and Mary, are implied. In some languages, the implied participants must be stated.
|
||||
|
||||
|
|
|
@ -48,4 +48,4 @@ A word-for-word translation process might use the same word in both verses, even
|
|||
|
||||
#### Figures of Speech
|
||||
|
||||
Finally, figures of speech are not conveyed correctly in a word-for-word translation. Figures of speech have meanings that are different from the individual words that they are made up of. When they are translated word-for-word, the meaning of the figure of speech is lost. Even if they are translated so that they follow the normal word order of the target language, readers will not understand their meaning. See the [Figures of Speech](../figs-intro/01.md) page to learn how to correctly translate them.
|
||||
Finally, figures of speech are not conveyed correctly in a word-for-word translation. As a whole expression, a figure of speech has a meaning that is different from the individual words. When they are translated word-for-word, the meaning of the figure of speech is lost. Even if they are translated so that they follow the normal word order of the target language, readers will not understand their meaning. See the [Figures of Speech](../figs-intro/01.md) page to learn how to correctly translate them.
|
||||
|
|
|
@ -56,27 +56,26 @@ In general, books that have more abstract, poetic, and theologically loaded term
|
|||
Though Open Bible Stories was not assessed according to this rating system, it should fall under Difficulty Level 1. We recommend that you begin by translating Open Bible Stories. There are many good reasons to start by translating Open Bible Stories:
|
||||
|
||||
* Open Bible Stories was designed to be easily translated.
|
||||
* It is largely narrative.
|
||||
* Most of it is simple narrative.
|
||||
* Many difficult phrases and words have been simplified.
|
||||
* It has many pictures to help the translator understand the text.
|
||||
* Open Bible Stories is much shorter than the Bible or even the New Testament, so it can be quickly completed and distributed to the Church.
|
||||
* Since it is not Scripture, Open Bible Stories removes the fear that many translators have of translating the Word of God.
|
||||
* Translating Open Bible Stories before translating the Bible gives the translators experience and training in translation, so that when they translate the.
|
||||
* Translating Open Bible Stories before translating the Bible gives the translators experience and training in translation, so that when they translate the Bible, they will do it well. By translating Open Bible Stories, the translation team will gain:
|
||||
|
||||
Bible, they will do it well. By translating Open Bible Stories, the translation team will gain:
|
||||
* Experience in creating a translation and checking team
|
||||
* Experience in doing the translation and checking process
|
||||
* Experience in using the Door43 translation tools
|
||||
* Experience in resolving translation conflicts
|
||||
* Experience in getting church and community participation
|
||||
* Experience in publishing and distributing content
|
||||
|
||||
* Experience in creating a translation and checking team
|
||||
* Experience in doing the translation and checking process
|
||||
* Experience in using the Door43 translation tools
|
||||
* Experience in resolving translation conflicts
|
||||
* Experience in getting church and community participation
|
||||
* Experience in publishing and distributing content
|
||||
* Open Bible Stories is a great tool to teach the church, evangelize the lost, and train the translators in what the Bible is all about.
|
||||
|
||||
You can work your way through the Stories in whatever order that you want, but we have found that Story #31 (see http://ufw.io/en-obs-31) is a good first story to translate since it is short and easy to understand.
|
||||
|
||||
### Conclusion
|
||||
|
||||
Ultimately, the church needs to decide what they want to translate, and in what order. But because translation is a skill that improves with use, and because the translation and checking teams can learn so much about translating the Bible by translating Open Bible Stories, and because of the immense value that the translated Open Bible Stories gives to the local church, we highly recommend starting your translation project with Open Bible Stories.
|
||||
Ultimately, the church needs to decide what they want to translate, and in what order. But we highly recommend starting your translation project with Open Bible Stories, for three reasons. First, because translation is a skill that improves with use. Secondly, because the translation and checking teams can learn so much about translating the Bible by translating Open Bible Stories. Thirdly, because of the immense value that the translated Open Bible Stories gives to the local church.
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After translating Open Bible Stories, the church will need to decide if it would be more beneficial to start with how everything began (Genesis, Exodus) or with Jesus (New Testament gospels). In either case, we recommend starting Bible translation with some of the Difficulty Level 2 and 3 books (like Genesis, Ruth, and Mark). Finally, after the translation team has a lot of experience, then they can start translating Difficulty Level 4 and 5 books (like John, Hebrews, and Psalms). If the translation team follows this schedule, they will make better translations with far fewer mistakes.
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@ -3,10 +3,10 @@
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When a language is first written, the translator must decide how to indicate certain features of all written languages.
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These questions will give the wider community an understanding of some of the preliminary decisions made by the translator for writing the local language in the areas of punctuation, spelling and the writing of names in the Bible. The translation team and the community should agree on how to do this.
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These questions will give the wider community an understanding of some of the preliminary decisions made by the translator for writing the local language in the areas of punctuation, spelling, and the writing of names in the Bible. The translation team and the community should agree on how to do this.
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* Does your language have a way of highlighting direct or quoted speech? How do you show it?
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* Does your language have a way of indicating direct or quoted speech? How do you show it?
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* What guidelines have you followed for indicating verse numbering, quoted speech and Old Testament quotations? (Are you following the style of the national language? What variations have you decided to use to suit your language?)
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* What guidelines have you followed in writing names in the Bible? Do you use the names written in the national language Bible? Do you have guidelines from your own language as to how names are pronounced and if they need added titles? (Has this decision been acceptable to the community?)
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* Have you taken note of any spelling rules for your language that you would like to share with others, such as where a word changes its form or two words combine? (Are these rules acceptable to the community?)
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* What guidelines have you followed in writing names in the Bible? Do you use the names written in the national language Bible? Do you have guidelines from your own language as to how names are pronounced and if they need added titles? Has this decision been acceptable to the community?
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* Have you taken note of any spelling rules for your language that you would like to share with others, such as where a word changes its form or two words combine? Are these rules acceptable to the community?
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Reference in New Issue