Dr. Ciampa explores the complexity of Bible translation, through his experiences both as a translator and professor of Bible translation, working beside translation teams worldwide. He considers both challenges and opportunities facing translation teams given the limited resources of translators in the majority world in contrast to the wealth of the minority world and its capacity, therefore, to influence translation teams worldwide as they depend on translations produced by the majority world and those widely available to teams/communities without a translation in their mother tongue. Small translation teams depend on larger, well-funded teams in the West and hence their influence worldwide. Bible translations can be (and are) commissioned by individuals who share a particular theological view of male-authority, e.g. the ESV. Other teams rely on consultants who provide an additional layer of oversight and diversity.
As women are now receiving the same education as men, women are joining Bible translation teams and serve as consultants more and more, especially in the majority world. Roy observes that minimizing translation bias was the result not only of diverse translation teams but also accessibility to a variety of translations in one’s mother tongue. Roy also points out “reading” the Bible well plays a critical role in grasping the full thrust of Scripture as a primary means of guarding against translator bias.
Finally, Roy explores how one language, e.g. Portuguese is spoken very differently in various regions around the world. He considers the importance of including more paratextual information explaining the background and significance of many of the passages that have impacted women or that could more positively impact women should be a priority. Increasing the number and roles of women in the translation work would help not only in helping teams pay closer attention to these issues, but also in helping the teams understand how the translation or interpretation of these passages impacts the lived experience of their mothers, sisters, daughters, and other women today, leading to a greater prioritization of this issue.
Related Resources:
eLearning: Beyond Bias: Aligning Toward God’s Vision for Women and Men in Bible Translation
Why We Need to Correct for Patriarchal Bias in Bible Translations
Presumption and Bias in Bible Translation
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