This study integrates three independent subjectsâtranslation theory, Mandarin aspect, and Greek aspectâfor the purpose of formulating a working theory applicable to translating the Bible. The primary objectives are defined in terms of grammatical translation of Greek aspect into Mandarin aspect at the discourse level. A historical overview of the Chinese Bible is provided as a way of introducing major translation issues related to linguistic, conceptual, and logistical challenges. The proposed theory provides the translator with a powerful tool, which is tested in two sample passages from John 18â19 and 1 Corinthians 15. Provided, also, are critical reviews of over sixty Chinese Bible versions, Nestorian, Manichaean, Catholic documents, and a translation written according to the proposed theory.
Toshikazu S. Foley, Ph.D. (2008) in biblical studies, McMaster Divinity College, is an author and researcher at the Bible Society in Taiwan, currently working on Bible study notes for the Chinese Union Version.
CONTENTS
List of Tables and Charts
Acknowledgement
Abbreviations
Typographical Conventions
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER 2: BIBLE IN CHINESE: ITS HISTORY, ISSUES, AND RELATIONS TO MODERN TRANSLATION
THEORIES
2.0. Introduction
2.1. History and Major Issues of Chinese Bible Translation
2.2. Translation Studies
2.3. Conclusion
CHAPTER 3: VERBAL ASPECTS IN MANDARIN CHINESE AND NEW TESTAMENT GREEK
3.0. Introduction
3.1. General Theories of Aspect
3.2. Verbal Aspect in Mandarin Chinese
3.3. Verbal Aspect in New Testament Greek
3.4. Conclusion
CHAPTER 4: TRANSLATING THE GREEK PERFECTIVE, IMPERFECTIVE, AND STATIVE ASPECTS IN THE INDICATIVE MOOD INTO MANDARIN
4.0. Introduction
4.1. The Perfective Aspect in the Indicative Mood
4.2. The Imperfective and Stative Aspects
4.3. Conclusion
CHAPTER 5: THE NON-INDICATIVE MOODS AND CONDITIONAL CLAUSES
5.0. Introduction
5.1. Imperative
5.2. Subjunctive and Optative Moods
5.3. Infinitives and Participles
5.4. Conditional Clauses
5.5. Conclusion
CHAPTER 6: THE PASSION NARRATIVE OF JOHN 18â19
6.1. Introduction
6.2. Chinese Translation of John 18â19
6.3. Conclusion
CHAPTER 7: 1 CORINTHIANS 15
7.1. Introduction
7.2. Chinese Translation of 1 Corinthians 15
7.3. Conclusion
APPENDICES
1. A Chronology of Chinese Bible Versions
2. Mandarin Translation (FOLEY) of John 18â19
3. Mandarin Translation (FOLEY) of 1 Corinthians 15
BIBLIOGRAPHY
INDEX OF SCRIPTURE
Scholars (of translation theory, biblical studies, verbal aspect) and serious readers of the Bible, who wish to engage in discussions of pertinent issues relevant to the Chinese Bible.