A critique of dynamic-equivalence translation methodology forms the basis for insights intended to broaden the outlook of Bible translators. The same critique is extended from the Bible and shown to have pertinence to contemporary mission activities of the West reaching to Africa. Translation of people and projects is found to need the same attention as Bible translation, suggesting that merely translating the Bible but not theological and other curricula for Africa is problematic. Practical missionary advice based on careful study of the relation between language impact and cultural context related to real-life situations is given, along with reasons why ‘inappropriate’ missions methodologies these days all too often continue.
The Institute for Cultural Engagement, an official program of Multnomah University and Biblical Seminary