Requirements
Requirements for Translation
The level and type of translation should be determined by the audience for whom the translation is intended. A translation may be in literary, liturgical or common language; it may follow the principle of functional equivalence or formal correspondence. Where possible, preference will normally be given to common language, functionally equivalent translations.
A functionally equivalent translation should be in clear, natural language. It should be intelligible and meaningful to non-Christians as well as to Christians. For translations of other types, the intended audience should give guidance regarding the type and level of translation.
Required qualifications for new translators
Prerequisites
Personal attributes
- Ready to work in a team, i.e. be willing to accept critique and improve their own draft on the basis of such criticism
- Teachable
- Shows the ability to be self-disciplined
- Accepted and sensitive to own culture
- Respect of the message of the Bible
Technical Abilities / Knowledge
- Full command of mother-tongue
- Writing skills
- Knowledge of own culture and literature
- Fluency in a major language other than mother-tongue
Desirable qualifications
Personal attributes
- Christian believer
- In good standing with their church
Technical abilities / Knowledge
- Bible knowledge
- Basic computer skills
- Ability to use help material in English
- Knowledge of Biblical languages
- Higher education
- Translation experience
Availability
- Full time
- Living in language area of the project
Required qualifications for new exegetical advisers
Required Knowledge
- Higher education (possibly in philology, linguistics or theology);
- Familiarity with the Bible and Christian traditions.
- Knowledge of the Russian & English languages
- Knowledge of Ancient Greek (for New Testament projects); knowledge of Hebrew AND Ancient Greek (for Old Testament projects);
Acquirable Skills
- Working knowledge of computer (Windows; WinWord); Exegetical skills: knowledge of the principles of biblical interpretation, ability to apply them to the text as freely as possible from one’s own personal theological, denominational or other biases; basic knowledge of textual criticism, ability to use the textual apparatus of Biblia Неbrаiса Stuttgartensia and Nestle-Aland 27th ed., to make textual decisions following the principles defined for the IBT/UBS/SIL projects; knowledge of the historical background of the Bible; knowledge of key characteristics of the Biblical books as literature;
- Knowledge of translation principles and ability to apply them in practical work;
- Linguistic skills: knowledge of linguistic theory enabling one to deal with languages different from the Standard Average European; Knowledge of the language of translation (ability to read and understand the text);
- Ability to work with people, appreciating their point of view and taking into consideration possible differences in cultural background;
- Knowledge of the key exegetical tools: handbooks, commentaries, computer programs (at least Paratext and Translator’s Workplace) and ability to use them;
- Intercultural awareness.
Availability
Desirable prerequisites:
- 100% involvement;
- Residence in the language area.
Essential prerequisites:
- 50% involvement;
- Possibility to pay long visits to work in the area of the target language.