Translating Scripture for Sound and Performance

The various studies presented in this anthology underscore the foundational matter of translation in biblical studies as understood from the specific perspective of Biblical Performance Criticism. If the assumption for the biblical messages being received is not individual silent reading, then the question becomes, how does this public performative mode of communication affect the translation of this biblical material? Rather than respond to this in general theoretical terms, most in this collection of articles offer specific applications to particular Hebrew and Greek passages of Scripture. Almost all the authors have firsthand experience with the translation of biblical materials into non-European languages in communities who maintain a vibrant oral tradition. The premise is that the original Scriptures, which were composed in and for performance, are being prepared again for live audiences who will receive these sacred texts, not primarily in printed form, but first and foremost in community by means of oral and visual media. This volume is an invitation for others to join us in researching more intensely this intersection of sound, performance, and translation in a contemporary communication of the Word. ""This wonderful introduction to biblical performance criticism draws on recent work in oral cultures and translation studies to show how the Bible as performed opens up new understandings of the Bible and audience, offering important perspectives on questions of fidelity and community. Each of the contributions advances the thesis; together they situate the discussion in widely divergent, intercultural settings to offer a helpful and engaging discussion."" --Paul A. Soukup, Professor of Communication, Santa Clara University ""This is a captivating introduction to the power of performance criticism in the areas of biblical interpretation and translation. It offers a balance between the highly theoretical and the eminently practical. Biblical scholars should take the risk of reading this most stimulating book that, no doubt, will enrich the established fields of biblical hermeneutics and translation."" --Esteban Voth, Head of Translation, United Bible Societies ""Books abound on translation of the biblical text. The essays in this book take the conversation in critical, new directions by exploring the dynamic relationship between translation and performance. It represents essential reading for anyone interested in, not only these two areas, but the nature of the biblical text and communication theory."" --Holly E. Hearon, Professor of Christian Traditions, Christian Theological Seminary ""Well written, authoritative, and suitable for classroom use, this fine collection of essays on biblical performance criticism belongs on the bookshelf of every serious Bible scholar and translator. Editors James Maxey and Ernst Wendland, together with their learned contributors, deserve our thanks for again making it plain that without an understanding of the Bible's original oral and scribal culture, our learned elevator goes only halfway to the top."" --Robert Hodgson, Jr., Dean Emeritus, Nida Institute ""This is a welcome contribution to understanding the complex interaction of sound, performance, and communication strategies in the attempt to effectively translate Scripture for contemporary audiences. Read and be challenged!"" --Bryan Harmelink, International Coordinator, SIL International Translation JAMES A. MAXEY is Translations and Biblical Scholar at the Nida Institute for Biblical Scholarship at American Bible Society. He is Dean of Admissions for the Nida School of Translation Studies and