Biblical Translation in Chinese and Greek: Verbal Aspect in Theory and Practice

This study integrates three independent subjects--translation theory, Mandarin aspect, and Greek aspect--for 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 18-19 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.