Problems with and after the direct translation

In this essay, biblical translation is discussed against the background of the new Afrikaans translation. It deals with problems of trying to convey the meaning contained in an ancient language, Greek, into a modern dynamic language, Afrikaans. The ancient language contains a very significant message for all time, but the original in which it was written is not accessible to modern readers. Both languages necessitate interpretation, but present unique difficulties in the process. With regard to the Greek, the aim is primarily to unearth the meaning of the text in its original context, particularly because it is not spoken anymore. Translation starts by constructing a source text from the material available, because the original manuscripts are, for various reasons, no longer available. It requires intensive study of the characteristics of the source text and the world in which it served as the tool of communication, namely the Ancient Middle East. With regard to the Afrikaans, because it is a dynamic language, its idiomatic content is in a process of constant change. This is due to the ever-changing environment in which it finds itself. It is spoken primarily in South Africa, in a multilingual context that, on the one hand, may enrich its content and use, but, on the other hand, threatens its existence, because it limits its users. Another challenge is that there seems to be no clarity with regard to the practical application of the eleven official languages in the country. English seems to have become the preferred language of communication. Translation is important, because the original Greek source text conveys an important message, the Good News, which is relevant for all time, and therefore for the modern Afrikaans reader. This translation was requested by the Afrikaans-speaking churches for the purpose of preaching, catechism, worship and personal use. From a literary point of view, its publication should help to strengthen its position in a multilingual context, because a significant number of Afrikaans-speaking people of the Christian community in the country use Afrikaans as their language of worship.