IsiZulu 2020 – FAQ
Why a new isiZulu Bible translation?
There are various reasons why a new translation of the isiZulu Bible is necessary:
The isiZulu language is constantly developing; it is open to change and it adopts not only words from other languages which it sometimes transliterates but it also adopts some features from other languages; hence the Bible needs updating as well.
Since the last isiZulu Bible translation (1959) the science of translation has developed immensely. The earlier translations (e.g. 1959 translation) of the Bible used to a certain extent a more word for word method of translation, while the more dynamic translations (e.g. 1986 New Testament and Psalms) used a more meaning-based method. This of course meant that translators interpreted the text more. The knowledge of the languages in which the Bible has originally been written (Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek) has been expanded over the past number of years. Different linguistic models as well as the applications of relevant computer software, helped to improve the knowledge of the Biblical languages.
The translation brief
To make a source-text orientated translation of the Bible which is dynamic where necessary. The translation should be suitable for reading aloud during church services, for use in catechism, mission work, and Bible study as well as for personal devotions. The translators and reviewers must make sure that the translation is in idiomatic isiZulu and should eliminate misunderstanding and ambiguity.
Source texts
It is important to stress that the Bible Society has the greatest respect for the Word of God. Therefore it ensures that the most trusted Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek texts are being used for its Bible translations.
For the translation of the Old Testament of this isiZulu Bible translation the Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia (5th revised edition) published by the Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft (German Bible Society) in 1997 is used. The New Testament is being translated from the 27th revised edition the Nestle-Aland Novum Testamentum Graece also published by the Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft in 1993.
How is the work been done?
The translation process comprises five phases.
During Phase 1 the translators make a draft translation from the Hebrew, Aramaic or Greek source texts. They revise their Phase 1 draft translation to produce a Phase 2 draft translation. The Phase 2 draft translation is then sent to the Translation Consultant who checks the translation’s accuracy, clarity and readability and makes remarks. The Translation Consultant and the translators meet and discuss the Translation Consultant’s remarks and resolve them. They then check the translation’s accuracy, clarity and readability by reading the translation aloud word for word and correct or edit the translation where they deem fit. They then produce a Phase 3 draft translation.
The Phase 3 draft translation is submitted to the interconfessional and interdenominational Review Committee comprising isiZulu linguists, Biblical scholars, theologians, church leaders and lay persons This Review Committee checks the translation’s accuracy, clarity and readability by reading the translation aloud word for word and correct or edit the Phase 3 draft translation where necessary. The Review Committee produces the Phase 4 draft translation. The translated texts on this website are Phase 4 draft translations and should be treated as such. Readers can view the texts here and supply the team with their comments. After the Review Committee has dealt with the comments received, the final text (phase 5) is prepared and the complete manuscript will then be handed to the Bible Society for publication.
Names of God
The Review Committee discussed the names of God to use in the translation but could not reach consensus. Therefore they resolved to first consult widely; hence your suggestions in this regard will be helpful.
For example: ‘UTixo’ in isiXhosa and ‘UNkulunkulu’ in isiZulu.
