Narrative Discourse Analysis for Translation Workshop

Are you finding it difficult to make translation of Scripture sound like the way people talk? Are the stories in the Bible catching the attention of listeners? Do some of the sentences sound awkward or difficult to understand, but you’re not sure how to improve them?  

The Narrative Discourse Analysis for Translation Workshop can assist you in overcoming these challenges. It teaches the appropriate style and natural flow of the language from traditional stories and texts. Translators study these features in their own languages and in Biblical texts, and then apply what they have just learned directly to translation. Not only will you be able to recognize the features, but understand when and how they are used naturally in Scripture. With each new lesson, new features are learned and applied, and you will be able to see and hear a translation passage improve significantly. 

“Before this work on discourse, I was thinking, how can this really help the translation? But it has changed the translation - I am a believer now in discourse. You are helping us to think about where the pronouns should be used, for example. I see that for sure we overused the pronouns, making our translation a burden to our readers. We had never noticed that.” (Yao translator, Malawi, 2019)     

Participants: The Discourse Analysis for Translation Workshop is for translators who are mother-tongue speakers of the receptor language, together with the translation advisers and consultants supporting these translators.        

Location: Dimesse Sisters Retreat Centre, Nairobi, Kenya (Near The Hub Karen)       

Date: 9-29 Oct 2024       

Outcomes:       

• Become equipped to describe the linguistic features of narrative texts in a language familiar to you.

• Analyze Scripture passages and address discourse-related issues relevant to translation by revising the passages.

• Become equipped to assist others to translate narrative material into their own languages accurately, naturally and clearly.

Cost: Registration for up to 4 members of a translation team, including at least one advisor or consultant, is $700 if paid by 1 May 2024. Accommodations and meals at Dimesse Sisters is $37 per night or $814 for 22 nights (Arriving 8 Oct and leaving 30 Oct).

Registration: Complete the questionnaire and registration form in the workshop invitation.

Note: If finances are the only thing preventing you from attending this workshop, please contact tim_stirtz@sil.org who may be able to assist you in applying for a partial scholarship to attend.