Translation is simple isn’t it? Just a case of finding the right words in the new language to replace the words in the old language; nothing to it really!
Well, of course it isn’t as simple as that. Words combine into phrases which don’t quite up to the sum of the individual parts; has anyone ever really had a frog in their throat?
There are many complexities in translation; not least the fact that words change their meaning according to the context. Nataly Kelly, co-author of the excellent Found in Translation, has just posted an excellent blog post which explores the way in which some common English words have multiple senses according to the context in which we find them.
This infographic captures the issue wonderfully.
2 replies on “Words in Context”
Eddie, thanks for this. I regularly come away from your thoughtful blog posts with fresh insights, better ways of understanding language & translation, and a rich appreciation for the work of Bible translators in different contexts. Thank you for sharing what’s in your head and in your heart.
Thanks Dave!