Contextualizition and Bible translation (Chinese Union Version)

Abstract

When it comes to translating the Bible into a target language, the issues of indigenization and contextualization have been widely studied (Yego, 1980; Engle, 1983; Yesurathnam, 2000). Yesurathnam (2000: 52) defines contextualization as “part of an evolving stream of thought that relates the gospel and churches to a local context”, and further points out that contextualization includes indigenization which tends to focus on the purely cultural dimension of human experience while contextualization broadens the understanding of culture to include social, political, and economic questions. Engle (1983: 104) also highlights the strength of contextualization which helps the messengers to understand and use the perspective of those in the target culture. Amid current Chinese versions of the Bible, the Bible (Chinese Union Version (CUV)) published in 1919 has been the predominant translation. As some Chinese may not fully acquire the knowledge about the historic background, custom and culture embedded in the original Bible version, the word choice in a target language in the Bible (CUV) is highly crucial for Chinese to understand the Bible. This paper attempts to explore the importance of language, culture and contextualization when translating the Bible into Chinese, particularly focusing on the Bible (CUV).