iv. Summary
Three possible solutions for translating an unknown idea are:
- Use a descriptive phrase.
- Substitute something similar that is known to the Receptor Language speakers.
- Use a foreign word from another language, together with either a descriptive phrase or a general word.
SOME GUIDELINES FOR CHOOSING THE BEST SOLUTION
In deciding which solution is best in any particular example, always consider the meaning of the word in its context.
REMEMBER:
- Avoid foreign words if possible.
- Where it is necessary to use a foreign word, introduce it with a general word or descriptive phrase to give some idea of the meaning.
- Think what is important about the meaning in the context. Is the main point clear?
- Avoid long descriptions which distract the reader from the main point of the text.
- Historical facts must not be changed.
- Ideas that would be out of place in the culture that the text is from, or that the text is about, must not be introduced.
- Other texts where the same idea is mentioned should be taken into account, especially if there is a liturgical or Scriptural “theme” involved.
- Use supplementary aids, such as pictures, to provide additional background information.
From Bible Translation: An Introductory Course in Translation Principles by Katharine Barnwell, 2017, page 43.