Back-Translation Helps on the Gospel of John
Notes on Translation No. 35 (February, 1970)
Edited by Bruce R. Moore
This compilation follows in general the approach and format of “Back-ranslation Helps on Acts,” which appeared in No. 21 of Notes on Translation. Complete back-translations of eleven languages were studied, as well as selected passages or verses of six additional languages and consultant notes on various verses or phrases from nineteen more. The languages cited are spoken in Mexico, the United States, New Guinea, Peru, Ecuador, and the Philippine Islands.
Renderings of whole verses are given first, identified by chapter and verse number, and then parts of verses are given, identified by a full quotation of the RSV form of the part in focus. After each citation the abbreviation of the language is given in parentheses, and if most of the languages have the same rendering, this is indicated by “(most).” Within any one verse, the order of citation of renditions from various languages is completely random and does not indicate any evaluative judgment. In some cases, two different renderings cited have different meanings because they reflect different interpretations of the original, both of which have commentary support. Additional material from the receptor language which is not a part of the portion in focus, but is necessary to show connection with the context, is included in parentheses. If a citation from a given language does not include all the material in the verse or phrase cited from the RSV, suspension points are used to indicate the omitted portion. Likewise, suspension points are used when the citation is discontinuous, taken from two parts of a verse. Comments from the compiler and editor are also in parentheses.
Warning! Like other useful tools, back-ranslations can be dangerous if misused. They represent solutions to specific problems in specific languages, and as such can give suggestions and ideas as to the kinds of adjustments that might be necessary and possible by other translators in similar situations. But back-translations should never be used as a basis from which to translate, because (1) a literal translation into your language from one of these back-translations is likely to be just as stiff and awkward as a literal translation from the RSV or Greek would be, and (2) a back-translation is an English translation of an indigenous language translation of an English translation of the Greek original; so that, if you were to translate from the back-translation as a base, you would be working from a translation of a translation of a translation - greatly increasing your opportunity for error!
The following translators submitted complete back-ranslations in the languages indicated. The compiler and editor would like to thank each contributor for this material. (Languages are found in Mexico unless otherwise indicated.