Questions and Answers
The Douay-Rheims Bible included the Apocrypha as separate from the main Bible text.
False
Modern English translations of the Bible are predominantly based on Greek and Hebrew manuscripts.
True
The Textus Receptus contains phrases not found in alternate sources used for translation.
True
The Dead Sea Scrolls have no relevance to the translation process of the Bible.
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The New King James Bible notes fewer textual differences than the New International Version.
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Formal equivalence translation prioritizes the understandability of text for modern readers over the preservation of original meaning.
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The differences between the Old Testament texts are better documented than those of the New Testament.
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The translators of modern English Bibles do not cross-check various sources.
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Livius faced no problems while attempting to create epic poetry in Italy.
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The phrase 'equal to the gods' was translated into Roman acceptable terms as 'summus adprimus'.
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Cicero and Horace were from the earliest generation of translators.
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The first complete translation of the Bible into English was done by John Wycliffe.
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As of 2005, at least one book of the Bible had been translated into 6,900 languages.
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The Bible is the most translated book in the world.
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There are over 600 Bible translation projects currently assisted by the United Bible Societies.
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Only 50 percent of the world's population has access to parts of the Bible in their fluent language.
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Cicero and Horace are considered part of the second period of translation history according to George Steiner.
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The Rosetta Stone is regarded as the most ancient work of translation from the second century B.C.
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The history of translation, as mentioned by Steiner, is divided into three periods.
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Livius Andronicus' translation of Homer's Odyssey into Latin is noted for its literalness in all parts.
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The third period of translation history extends from Valery to the 1960s.
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Before the Roman Empire, only literary texts were translated by Mesopotamians and Egyptians.
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The artistic quality of the original text was less important to Livius Andronicus when translating the Odyssey.
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Livius Andronicus' work made the Greek text of the Odyssey accessible to Romans and advanced the Latin literary culture.
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Dynamic equivalence translation primarily focuses on the literal word-for-word translation of texts.
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The Amplified Bible presents multiple interpretations of words or phrases to provide readers with choices.
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Most translations of texts, including the Bible, are made by individual translators to reflect personal bias.
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The first English translations of Homer's Iliad and Odyssey were published by George Chapman in the 17th century.
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The Message is an example of a dynamic equivalence translation version of the Bible.
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Robert Alter translated individual books of the Bible to highlight their specific flavour.
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George Chapman's translation work included several ancient texts, but he did not translate the works of Hesiod.
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John Keats greatly admired George Chapman’s translation of the Iliad and Odyssey.
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Pope's translation of the Iliad was completed between 1715 and 1720.
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Alexander Fraser Tytler believed that translation should prioritize style and originality over the ideas of the original text.
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William Broome and Elijah Fenton assisted Pope in the translation of the Iliad.
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The preface to Fables is recognized as a notable work of criticism in English literature.
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The interest in ancient Indian literature by British East India colonial administrators peaked in the 19th century.
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Samuel Johnson and George Campbell were only known for their poetry during the eighteenth century.
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Translators in the eighteenth century often omitted parts of texts they found boring or did not understand.
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The nineteenth century saw a uniform view of translation, recognizing the translator as a creative genius only.
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Study Notes
History of Translation Overview
- The history of translation is segmented into four periods as suggested by scholar George Steiner.
- The first period spans from Roman translators Cicero and Horace to Alexander Fraser Tytler.
- The second period progresses until Valery, with the third period from Valery to the 1960s, and the fourth period starting in the 1960s.
Ancient Beginnings
- Translation practices date back to 3000 B.C., with the Rosetta Stone as a prominent ancient translation example from the second century B.C.
- Livius Andronicus translated Homer’s "Odyssey" into Latin in 240 B.C., making it the first major literary translation.
Livius Andronicus’ Contributions
- Only 46 lines of Andronicus' version exist, showcasing both literal and freer translation approaches.
- His translation made fundamental Greek texts accessible to the Romans, enhancing Latin literary culture.
- Employed archaizing forms in language to address Italy's lack of epic tradition and maintained fidelity to both Homer and Latin.
Key Roman Figures in Translation Theory
- Quintilian, Cicero, Horace, Catullus, and Younger Pliny analyzed and practiced translation.
- Cicero and Horace introduced the distinction between "word-for-word" and "sense-for-sense" translation.
Bible Translation Significance
- Bible translation began over two millennia ago, with over 450 versions existing throughout history.
- John Wycliffe's translation in the 14th century is often highlighted, though many translations preceded him.
- By 2005, parts of the Bible had been translated into over 2,400 of the world’s languages, covering various regions.
Modern Translation approaches
- Formal equivalence strives for a literal translation; dynamic equivalence seeks to convey original intent and meaning.
- Notable modern translations include The Living Bible and The Message, which use paraphrased translations.
Individual vs. Collaborative Translation
- Many translations are the result of committee efforts to mitigate bias.
- Some translators like J.B. Philips and Robert Alter focus on individual works, aiming to capture specific nuances.
The Role of 16th and 18th Century Translators
- George Chapman’s translations of Homer in the early 17th century were celebrated and highly influential.
- Alexander Fraser Tytler, in 1791, formalized translation principles, emphasizing consistency with the original’s ideas and style.
- The 18th century emphasized the creative role of translators, depicting them as artists with responsibility toward both original and reader.
Conflict in 19th Century Translation Theories
- Two opposing views emerged: translators as creative geniuses versus translators as mere conduits of text.
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Description
This quiz explores the key concepts and historical evolution of translation as discussed in the 2013 article by Dr. Datta G. Sawant. It covers important milestones and personalities that have shaped the field of translation. Test your knowledge and understanding of translation history with this engaging quiz.
