Intersemiotic Bible translation for an orally dominant culture: the case of translating Lamentations into Nsenga

Abstract

The study provides an intersemiotic, oral translation of the biblical book of Lamentations into Nsenga, a language of Zambia, highlighting the intricate connections between oral, visual, and written modes of communication. The translation process is guided by the incorporation of cognitive linguistics and contextual frames of reference, underscoring the ongoing intersemiotic activity in translating Lamentations. The thesis highlights the intrinsic presence of intersemiotics within the biblical source language text. A comprehensive analysis of contemporary laments in Nsenga as performed by the Nsenga ethnic group reveals the prevalence of oral tradition that governs their whole life system. The significance of laments in this language and their intonation and tonal features in conveying meaning is emphasised, underlining the need for a skillful translation approach, particularly when dealing with poetic works such as Lamentations. Immersion into such a context remains an important prerequisite. Moreover, the study advocates for exploring intersemiotic interplay within a single biblical text and examines the role of biblical performance criticism in this complex endeavour. This sheds light on the transposition and reserialization of meanings across various textual mediums. The oral-aural nature of biblical compositions and its implications for translation, exegesis, and textual criticism are highlighted by expanding the concept of text to encompass alternative communication forms. Ultimately, the study concludes that Bible translators must recognise that their task involves translating not only the written words but also the entire life system and performance cues embedded within the written text. To tackle this intricate task, the thesis proposes a shift in perspective, suggesting that Bible translation should be approached as a multifaceted process that defies a linear translation approach. The thesis acknowledges the already rich knowledge concerning Bible translation and the fact that a multifaceted approach is not a new proposal. Instead, a deliberate sensitivity to the complexity of the task of translation is proposed throughout the entire process of translation. Therefore, a complexity theory approach is recommended, acknowledging the nuanced nature of translation that extends beyond linguistic considerations. This approach aims to unveil the various forms of intersemiotic interplay occurring at different translation stages. The thesis calls for heightened awareness of the intricate interplay between oral, visual, and written media during translation, affirming that translators should be fully attuned to the holistic representation of human life within both the incipient text (source language text) and the subsequent text (target text) as a product of the translation process. Such an understanding can be achieved through a complexity theory framework that acknowledges and navigates intersemiotic interplay within the translation process. This approach could apply to translation from one medium to the other or translation within the same medium because intersemiotic interplay is intrinsically present, be it in intralingual translation or interlingual translation.