Abstract

Abstract:

Bible translation generally is prepared for people to read individually, rather than to hear. However, in much of Africa, most people receive the text aurally. This requires specific attention to features of orality and performance if the text is to be heard easily and remembered well. Orality and performance studies (with examples from the Jesus film, which qualifies as a performance translation of Luke) can provide useful cues for the translator who is preparing biblical text for aural reception. In this study, Kirundi and French speakers listened to text prepared specially for aural reception and compared this to listening to the reading aloud of printed biblical text. These Kirundi and French speakers also prepared a performance translation of the same text. The latter was found to be most acceptable for most listeners, followed by the aurally-prepared version. Translators and communicators of biblical text can thus benefit from utilising principles of orality and performance in order to facilitate intelligibility and memorability for a listening audience.

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