Openness, Closure, and Transformation in Proverb Translation

Proverbs are characteristically open to multiple interpretations. This is problematic for the translator: (how) should she convey this “openness” in translation? This article confronts the problem by zooming out to see translation as part of a larger “proverb process.” This process involves interpre...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Bible translator
Main Author: Millar, Suzanna 1991- (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
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Published: Sage 2020
In: The Bible translator
Standardized Subjects / Keyword chains:B Bible. Sprichwörter 10-29 / Translation / Proverb research
IxTheo Classification:HB Old Testament
Further subjects:B paremiology
B blend theory
B Translation
B Proverbs 10–29
B Proverbs
Online Access: Volltext (kostenfrei)
Description
Summary:Proverbs are characteristically open to multiple interpretations. This is problematic for the translator: (how) should she convey this “openness” in translation? This article confronts the problem by zooming out to see translation as part of a larger “proverb process.” This process involves interpreting, applying, transmitting, and translating the proverb. Focusing on Prov 10-29, I trace a single saying (Prov 18.4) through these stages. I show how, at each stage, “openness” is important. But so too are the dynamics of “closure” and “transformation,” for they give the proverb applicability and power. As such, the translator who closes down and transforms meanings (while arguably lacking faithfulness to the linguistic nuances of the Hebrew) may be showing great faithfulness to the nature, genre, and function of the proverb.
ISSN:2051-6789
Contains:Enthalten in: The Bible translator
Persistent identifiers:DOI: 10.1177/2051677019889651