This book applies a literary functional equivalence (LiFE) approach in
a practical, procedure-documented manner to the text analysis and
translation for various literature of the Scriptures. Eight case studies from the
lyric corpus of the Hebrew Bible are considered: Job 28, Psalm 73, Proverbs
31, Psalm 137, Proverbs 26, Song of Songs, Ecclesiastes 12 and Psalm 24.
The author explains and illustrates a rhetorical literary-structure method
with different focus and emphasis depending on the form, content and
communication aim of the poetic book. Chapters conclude with implications
and applications for Scripture translation. The biblical passages included
here are not so frequently considered by scholars, teachers, and preachers, and
may be neglected by translators due to their perceived difficulty.
My cravings as a linguist, translator, poet, and ethno-arts supporter were all
satisfied by the buffet Wendland sets before us. He compares...structures of
Hebrew with those of...[African] vernaculars...suggesting ways to translate
them...using dynamic target language poetic devices and cultural forms. This is
literature translating literature....
Dr. Brenda H. Boerger, from the Foreword
Ernst R. Wendland (Ph.D., African Languages and Literature, University of Wisconsin) is an instructor at Lusaka Lutheran Seminary and a dissertation examiner in Zambian languages at the University of Zambia. A former UBS Translation Consultant, he still serves as Professor Extraordinary in the Centre for Bible Interpretation and Translation in Africa, Department of Ancient Studies, Stellenbosch University, South Africa.
