Bible Translation.
There are several meaning of translation but basically is retelling the Bible or part of, from a given language to intended one.
The given language can be the original language writers wrote in ( Hebrew, Aramaic or Greek) or a source or supplied language from which translators will refer.
It can be a simple single activity especially done in sermons or teaching bible to a listening (target) audience. Or a process by a group of scholars to have detailed product (any bible version we read).
Goal
The main goal is to have biblical message reach the target audience or community in as much as accurate as the original intention and context, in clarity, in language they can understand, preserving theological significance.
The translation enables the biblical instructions be accessible to many in their language. The translators must display both knowledge and sensitivity of historical and cultural contexts of the target community for it to embrace it and feel abided by the same.
It also help to conduct liturgical services in both the language and cultural set up, which is clear and acceptable to the target community.
Translation also help breakdown the linguistic barriers
It is very important bible translators to try as much as possible to preserve the original content and intentions.
When translation is done word to word, some meanings are lost. Each language has some unique phrases, for example idioms, whose individual word has different meaning when the same word is used in a phrase. Let site an idiom which has come across my mind.
“Kick the bucket” which means to die but if put in Kiswahili directly will have a very different meaning
“Kupiga teke ndoo”
Also word to word may deny culture of target community not be expressed.