Translators. I just finished reading The Theory and Practice of Translation, by Eugene A. Nida and Charles R. Taber (Leiden, Netherlands: E. J. Brill, 1969). David Bell called Nida “undoubtedly the most influential figure in modern Bible translation. He coined the term “dynamic equivalence,” which he defines in terms of receptor response. Though the book posits various principles that I don’t agree with, I have found much helpful information. As linguists and translation theory experts, the authors make a comment about language acquisition that is very supportive of Bibles International’s use of mother-tongue translators:
The average person can quite well master the syntactic structure of a language in four or five years, but it is a rare individual who masters the semotactic structure of a foreign language in less than twenty years, especially if he begins this process after he has become an adult. (‘Semotactics’ has to do with ‘the linguistic context which pertains to the meanings of terms surrounding a given term.’)
In other words, you can learn the grammar fairly rapidly, but you cannot know how to use words in proper context with extreme precision until you have spent years being exposed to the language. They also note:
Even with all the formal analysis of texts which he might be able to undertake, there is simply no substitute for the millions and billions of words a person should listen to and speak, if he is to build up a ‘feeling’ for the semotactic appropriateness of certain combinations.
So, rather than spending 20 years to master a language, it is better to train mother-tongue translators who already have this mastery. That’s what we do at Bibles International.
Graduation. I believe this year was the first in which Bob Jones University streamed the commencement ceremony live on the internet. I remember finding the ceremony to be quite the bore as an undergrad, but after graduation I began to value the spiritual impact of it. What an encouragement to listen as students recounted the marvellous works of the Lord. How many other opportunities are there in life to hear this great concentration of such God-glorifying testimonies?! It was a great blessing to listen to these graduating students.
Speaking of this graduation, I must note that I had many of these students when they were sophomores. With this graduating class of seniors exits the last class of students that I would have taught during my two years at BJU (2005-2007). It’s very encouraging to think that I had a spiritual impact in some of the seniors’ lives.
And finally, congratulations to my friend, Michael Cole. He was the lone PhD graduating this year. Now that the formalities are behind him, he must continue to travel on the deputation trail. Pray for him as he and his family prepare to serve as missionaries in France.
My Back. My back was quite sore this morning, but I believe that’s because of the bed. It is getting better now as I move around. I was worried that maybe I had made the wrong choice in not having the surgery done. Pray that I will be patient in this healing process! And pray for me to sleep in better beds in the future!
My Support. Will you join me in asking the Lord to meet my prayer goal of 55% by the end of this 5th month of 2009? That would mean an increase of 10%. I believe I will add two supporters soon, but I will need more to arrive at 55%. God can work!!
The book you finished is the one you got for Christmas, isn’t it? What he said made you feel good since he backs up what BI does. Makes sense.
You may see more of your students in the future since some don’t end up graduating in four years. Circumstances keep them from staying in school because of funds or the changing of majors adds more class time. That is good about Michael. I was told that there were five honorary degrees presented.
Hope and pray your back is better in the morning.