A History of Bible Translation and Translation Theory Dr. Philip H ...

A History of Bible Translation and Translation Theory
Dr. Philip H. Towner
Description
This course consists of two main parts. Part One traces the history of Bible translation as
and it has progressed historically and geographically along with the expansion of the
church. Part Two introduces the development of translation theories and descriptive
models and methodologies and explores their relation to role of translation in cultural
development and the impact on understanding of Bible translation. Specific translation
problems and types of translations will be considered along with their relevance to
theological discourse.
Aims
1. To introduce the phenomenon of Bible translation as a component of mission history
and its movement through history.
2. To introduce the development of translation theories and their relevance for Bible
translation.
3. To introduce the post WWII discipline of translation studies and its importance for
understanding the activity of Bible translation today.
4. To introduce the types of Bible translations and investigate a range of specific
translation problems encountered in Bible translation.
Method
The course will be comprised of a combination of pedagogical methods. Traditional
lectures (with discussion) will be used to introduce the history and geography of Bible
translation, and to introduce translation theory. Consideration of case studies, discussed
in a seminar format, will provide a framework for exploring translation types and specific
translation examples and problems.
Evaluation
An examination will be administered on the last day of the course.
Bibliography
Bible translation history and mission:
Sanneh, L. Translating the Message. (RevEd). Maryknoll, NY: Orbis, 2009.
Noss, P. (ed.). A History of Bible Translation. Edizioni: Rome, 2007.
Literary and Translation Studies

ALLEN, G. Intertextuality (London/New York: Routledge 2000).
BASSNETT, S. – TRIVEDI, H. (ed.). Post-Colonial Translation. New York: Routledge
1999).
GENTZLER, E., Contemporary Translation Theories. Rev. 2nd Ed.
Clevedon/Buffalo/Toronto/Sydney: Multilingual Matters, 2001.
NIDA, E.A. – DE WAARD, J., From One Language to Another: Functional
Equivalence in Bible Translating. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1986.
NIDA, E.A. – TABER, C.R., The Theory and Practice of Translation. Leiden: Brill,
1974.
TYMOCZKO, M. Enlarging Translation, Empowering Translators. Manchester: St.
Jerome, 2007.
TYMOCZKO, M. – Genzler, E. (ed.). Translation and Power. Amherst, MA: University
of Amherst Press, 2002.
Venuti, L., The Translator’s Invisibility: A History of Translation. 2nd Ed. New York:
Routledge, 2008.
Venuti, L. (Ed.). The Translation Studies Reader. New York: Routledge, 2004.