This week in the Mara Cluster Project we held a translation workshop for three languages: Simbiti, Kwaya and Zinza. Our goal was to translate the book of Titus. My friend Andre led the workshop and allowed me to watch and learn. Andre is from the Netherlands and he is a veteran Translation Advisor and new Translation Consultant.
Before the workshop, Andre and I did our exegetical study of Titus, looking especially for possible translation challenges. Our Tanzanian colleagues drafted the book of Titus into their heart languages from various Swahili Bible versions.
When we all met together, we walked through the entire book of Titus, verse by verse. Our aim was to translate God's Word clearly, accurately and naturally. It was fun to see the Tanzanian translators challenging each other and helping each other. For example, we were working on Titus 3:4, "But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us." The Simbiti team found a great word for "kindness" but the Kwaya team struggled to find the right word. When the Simbiti translators shared their word and the meaning behind it, a light bulb came on for the Kwaya translator and he found a good word in his language. Another time the Simbiti team was struggling and the Kwaya translator provided some insight. That's one beauty of a workshop setting.
We spent a good deal of time discussing Paul's warning in Titus 1:10, "For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party. Were these people believers or unbelievers? The answer influences the way we translate.
Finally, we even looked at conjunctions to make sure that the text flowed naturally. For example, consider the conjunction "but" in the following...Titus 3:3-4, "For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us." Is Paul contrasting time: once, we disobeyed God but now God saved us? Or is Paul contrasting topic: we disobeyed but God saved us? The answer influences the way we translate.
In the book of Titus, Paul gives Titus character qualities to look for when appointing elders in the church. {we had an interesting discussion about a "one-woman man" in a culture that still practices polygamy} This guidance will be a great benefit for churches here in Tanzania because in many churches here, people are given the role of elder simply because of their perceived status or because they donated lots of money to the church building. God's Word tells us how to be God's Church.
Praise the Lord! Now three more people groups will have the book of Titus in their heart language!
When I think of all that goes into a good translation, I am amazed and even more thankful for each one of you who has answered a call to Bible translation!
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