Course Syllabus

Bible Society of India Translation Training Seminar (NSBT)

Dimapur, 29 September − 8 October 2015

A collaborative initiative with ABS Nida Institute, UBS Translations and the Bible Society of India

Overview

This seminar will address translation issues related to literary genres (especially narrative and poetry), textual problems, diverse understandings of canon, language analysis and the translation of non-standardized languages, and issues in revising existing translations. These problems will be addressed in light of insights drawn from both biblical studies and translation studies, highlighting the understanding of translation as creation and mediation, and thus the importance of the agency of the translator. Practical exercises in translation will illustrate these ideas and encourage students to address translation problems in innovative ways.

Objectives 

This workshop will deepen the participants’ understanding of biblical texts and their capacity for translation. The seminar will sharpen participants’ understanding of the value of similarity and difference in translation and the role of translation as a mediator between these two poles. It will also give attention to the importance of the visibility of the translator as a creative agent who negotiates between various interests while translating material for particular audiences.

Pedagogies: Practical exercises reinforce Lectures 

As we explore these themes and issues in the course of the seminar participants will observe how cultural and linguistic forces affect translation by considering select biblical texts. In practical sessions, participants will be able to practice translation in small groups with the guidance of a translation specialist. Examples and exercises will be drawn from a variety of different texts throughout the seminar.

Workshop pedagogy includes both classroom instruction and distance learning opportunities. Participants will find readings, study materials and links to faculty and students using the Nida Institute distance-learning platform. Following the workshop, the online distance-learning environment will afford participants the opportunity to continue their engagement with faculty and other students.

Program Overview

Saturday: Excursion

Sunday: Church and relaxation

Resource team:

• Jonadob Nathaniel, Bible Society of India (JN)
• Along Jamir, Bible Society of India (AJ)
• Zambolis Sawkmie, Bible Society of India (ZS)
• Meyijungla, Bible Society of India (M)
• R. Vanlaltlana, Bible Society of India (RV)
• Suee Yee Yan, United Bible Societies (SYY)
• Zeth Bitjoli, United Bible Societies (ZB)
• Simon Crisp, Nida Institute/ABS and United Bible Societies (SC)
• Roy Ciampa, Nida Institute/ABS (RC)

Expectations of Participants

Each participant is expected to attend the entire seminar and to participate fully (and in an informed manner), prepared to engage with each other and the facilitators. Various assignments to be completed in preparation for the seminar will be posted on Nida Canvas website, along with due dates for each assignment.

For further information, contact:

• Along Jamir, alongjamir@biblesociety.in (general inquiries).
• Roy Ciampa, rciampa@americanbible.org (Canvas site, seminar administration).