Baumgartner, Joanne M. (2002). Key cultural concepts in Australian Aboriginal languages as used in biblical translation. In Nga kete o te matauranga / Global pressures, local impacts: Challenges for the Pacific Rim. Association of Pacific Rim Universities 2nd Doctoral Students Conference, 1-4 February 2001, University of Auckland. Los Angeles: University of Southern California [CD Rom]. 11 pp.
In Aboriginal Bible translation today, it is necessary to separate pagan beliefs and their associated word usage from Christian beliefs and its totally different concepts, and, having done this, to describe the work being translated in traditional Aboriginal terms. It is possible to do this using NSM, which employs universal terms to identify concepts that are common to all languages, thus preserving the cultural identity already in existence in Aboriginal language use. This avoids the confusion that occurs when academic English is applied to languages that require different cultural concepts, such as Aboriginal languages. This new way of translating can then be used by theologians when applying current translation techniques.
Rating:
Approximate application of NSM principles carried out without prior training by an experienced NSM practitioner
