Translation for Performance: Biblical Performance Criticism in Bible Translation

Biblical Scholars working with ancient texts are engaged in the daily task of Bible translation. A commitment to Biblical Performance Criticism (BPC) can be transformative in the task of translation. It is argued in this paper that responsible translation will work towards replicating the artistry o...

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Main Author: Jeanette Mathews
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2024-11-01
Series:Religions
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/15/11/1393
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author Jeanette Mathews
author_facet Jeanette Mathews
author_sort Jeanette Mathews
collection DOAJ
description Biblical Scholars working with ancient texts are engaged in the daily task of Bible translation. A commitment to Biblical Performance Criticism (BPC) can be transformative in the task of translation. It is argued in this paper that responsible translation will work towards replicating the artistry of original transmitters of texts in order to draw out traces of the original orality embedded in the texts. Examples of performance-sensitive translations of texts predominantly from the Hebrew Bible are provided. This e-paper also demonstrates that translations that draw out performative elements contribute to interpretation, especially when such scripts are staged before audiences. Subsequent analysis of the performance including audience response contributes to such interpretation. Performance-sensitive translation and actual performance thus become tools for embodiment and the interpretation of biblical texts in our own time.
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spelling doaj-art-03b97cfe0ded4ce097bcdc60f750c3be2024-11-26T18:19:32ZengMDPI AGReligions2077-14442024-11-011511139310.3390/rel15111393Translation for Performance: Biblical Performance Criticism in Bible TranslationJeanette Mathews0School of Theology, Charles Sturt University, Barton, ACT 2600, AustraliaBiblical Scholars working with ancient texts are engaged in the daily task of Bible translation. A commitment to Biblical Performance Criticism (BPC) can be transformative in the task of translation. It is argued in this paper that responsible translation will work towards replicating the artistry of original transmitters of texts in order to draw out traces of the original orality embedded in the texts. Examples of performance-sensitive translations of texts predominantly from the Hebrew Bible are provided. This e-paper also demonstrates that translations that draw out performative elements contribute to interpretation, especially when such scripts are staged before audiences. Subsequent analysis of the performance including audience response contributes to such interpretation. Performance-sensitive translation and actual performance thus become tools for embodiment and the interpretation of biblical texts in our own time.https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/15/11/1393translationbiblical performance criticismperformanceHebrew Bibleoral tradition
spellingShingle Jeanette Mathews
Translation for Performance: Biblical Performance Criticism in Bible Translation
Religions
translation
biblical performance criticism
performance
Hebrew Bible
oral tradition
title Translation for Performance: Biblical Performance Criticism in Bible Translation
title_full Translation for Performance: Biblical Performance Criticism in Bible Translation
title_fullStr Translation for Performance: Biblical Performance Criticism in Bible Translation
title_full_unstemmed Translation for Performance: Biblical Performance Criticism in Bible Translation
title_short Translation for Performance: Biblical Performance Criticism in Bible Translation
title_sort translation for performance biblical performance criticism in bible translation
topic translation
biblical performance criticism
performance
Hebrew Bible
oral tradition
url https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/15/11/1393
work_keys_str_mv AT jeanettemathews translationforperformancebiblicalperformancecriticisminbibletranslation