See in Reader
1.7 KiB
As part of the translation process, it is necessary that several people check the translation to make sure that it is clearly communicating the message that it should communicate. Several important factors are addressed in checking the translation.
One important reason for checking the translation is to affirm accuracy. The translator may not have understood fully the passage in the source text, and therefore not have communicated it clearly in his translation. Using tools such as commentaries and other translations can be helpful in confirming that the meaning is accurately understood and conveyed.
Another reason for checking is to affirm naturalness and flow. The person translating may not have used the most common venacular. Having others in the language community read it to check for flow will provide insight for correcting awkward wording.
Checking is also important to affirm consistant and correct grammar, punctuation and spelling. Often the translation is into a previously unwritten language, so translators and other team members may have to work together to agree on spelling and punctuation.
As soon as the translator has created a draft, he will begin to check it himself. Several layers of checking by others on the translation team will follow. Finally two other levels of checking outside the translation team are recommended. One will help others in the community to test the translation for naturalness and flow. The other will give theologians and scholars of various denominations the opportunity to provide recommendations.
Checking the Scripture may seem tedious, but it is well worth the time and effort. The translation improves with each new set of eyes that can provide feedback and recommendations.