Eietydse vertaling en verklaring van die Nuwe Testament

Inaugural lecture--Department of Bible Studies, Rand Afrikaans University, 25 February 1975@@This year, having been proclaimed as Language Year in view of the centenary celebration of Afrikaans as a language in its own literary right, makes the theme of Bible Translation one of particular actuality and interest. The concept contemporary is confined to more or less the last decade, because of the tremendous developments in modern linguistics and structural analysis in the past few years. Two distinctive characteristics are to be noted. One is the emergence of modem linguistics and its influence on Bible Translation, to such an extent that an entirely new and exciting concept of Translation is being developed, with far-reaching results for translation of the Afrikaans Bible. Secondly there is a declining tendency as far as Biblical Exegesis is concerned, resulting in a convergence of Translation and Explanation to the point almost of Identification. This is to be viewed with optimism as we stand on the threshold of a new era in which linguistics will play a dominant role. In a multilingual country this is of great importance. On the other hand this point of convergence shows interpretation as normative theological science at a much lower ebb than in the heyday of the forties and fifties. This constitutes an impasse and a challenge. The concept of contemporary should also be read as inherent to the South African situation of the emergence of a "Black Theology". Concurrently, therefore, "Black Translation" of scripture is referred to as differentiated from "White Translation and Interpretation". These trends have socio-political implications. Evaluation would be premature. Finally the work of the Combined Translation Committee of the three Afrikaans Churches is also highlighted. This committee aspires towards an entirely new Afrikaans Translation. In conclusion a vision of future development is ventured. We are indeed entering a new era of greater co-operation and understanding of mutual needs.