One might think translation is pretty easy - substitute this word for that and voila - it's done. But anyone that has become fluent in more than one language will tell you that it's not that simple. I understood this and believed it intellectually before French study, but now, it's so much more real. Some things simply don't translate easily and require a circuitous explanation.
Additionally, language is not just a different set of words. It also encompasses a logic set/progression and contains within itself a different mode of thought - even in languages that are relatively closely related…like French and English. My teacher is constantly reminding us, "Don't try to use English logic to form this phrase. You have to think in French," or something like that. Or in frustrating moments, there's the reminder that, "There's not really a word or phrase to express that in French." Or even more frustratingly, there are things in French that don't exist in English…and one must absorb the nuance of meaning through time and experience. Now imagine negotiating the relationship between two languages of totally different cultures.
Translators have a tough road of training that certainly includes a lot of linguistic study. When Lori and I were at the Graduate Institute of Applied Linguistics in Dallas, we were amazed at the difficulty of the courses for the linguists. They study phonetics (sounds of a language), grammar (how grammar systems function and the possibilities therein), semantics (discovering the different levels of meaning in language), research methods and so much more.But know that their job is not just mechanical. To know a language and to understand the nuance well, it is essential to involve oneself in the culture. This facilitates understanding the logic contained in a language.
We were also amazed at how smart the linguistic community at GIAL was. Absolutely brilliant, these people. To do what they do, with so many variables to consider in how languages might operate, demands creativity, patience, and frankly, a truly gifted intellect. I can assure you that people out in the field doing Bible translation are very, very smart and do a job with so many facets that most of us would become frustrated before we started.
In conclusion, as I re-read this, it so doesn't capture the depth of what I'd like to express. I knew it wouldn't, but it's still frustrating. As such, I'm putting links to two videos that Wycliffe has put together. One of them gets at the complexities of translation itself. The other tries to develop the whole process from initial contact with a language to final product and all of the other activities that accompany Bible translation in order to make it more effective for a community. Enjoy.
Translating for Understanding: https://vimeo.com/46427344
The Road to Transformation: https://vimeo.com/43033345
