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en_tm/jit/figs-gendernotations/01.md

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Description

In some languages a word that normally refers to men can also be used in a more general way to refer to both men and women. Also in some languages, the masculine pronouns "he" and "him" and "his" can be used in a more general way for any person if it is not important whether the person is a man or a woman.

Reasons this is a translation issue

  • When reading a sentence in the Bible, the translator needs to be able to determine whether the use of a word that normally refers to men refers only to men or to both men and women.
  • In some cultures words like "man," "brother," and "son" can only be used to refer to men. If those words are used in a translation in a more general way, people will think that what is being said does not apply to women.
  • In some cultures, the masculine pronouns "he" and "him" can only refer to men. If a masculine pronoun is used, people will think that what is said does not apply to women.

Translation Principles

When a statement applies to both men and women, translate it in such a way that people will be able to understand that it applies to both.

Examples from the Bible

We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given to the churches of Macedonia. (2 Corinthians 8:1 ULB)

This verse is addressing the believers in Corinth, not only men, but men and women.

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. (Proverbs 10:1 ULB)

When Paul wrote "sons of God," he was not speaking only of men, but of men and women.

Then said Jesus to his disciples, "If anyone wants to follow me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me." (Matthew 16:24-26 ULB)

Jesus was not speaking only of men, but of men and women.

Caution: Sometimes masculine words are used specifically to refer to men. Do not use words that would lead people to think that they include women. The underlined words below are specifically about men.

Moses said, 'If a man dies, having no children, his brother must marry his wife and have a child for his brother.' (Mark 22:24 ULB)

Translation Strategies

If people would understand that that masculine words like "man," "brother," and "he" can include women, then consider using them. Otherwise, here are some ways for translating those words when they include women.

  1. Use a noun that can be used for both men and women.
  2. Use a word that refers to men and a word that refers to women.
  3. Use pronouns that can be used for both men and women.

Examples of Translation Strategies Applied

  1. Use nouns that can be used for both men and women.
  • The wise man dies just like the fool dies. (Ecclesiastes 2:16 ULB)
    • The wise person dies just like the fool dies.
    • Wise people die just like fools die.
  • For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. (Proverbs 10:1 ULB)
    • For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are children of God.
  1. Use a word that refers to men and a word that refers to women.
  • For we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the troubles we had in Asia. (2 Corinthians 1:8)
    • For we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about the troubles we had in Asia. (2 Corinthians 1:8)
  1. Use pronouns that can be used for both men and women.
  • If anyone wants to follow me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me." (Matthew 16:24 ULB)
    • If people want to follow me, they must deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow me.