Abstract:

Translating the Old Testament into Chinese, S.I.J. Schereschewsky had greater impact than his missionary colleagues; drawing from a deep knowledge of biblical Hebrew, his translation illustrates impressive diversity, flexibility, adaptability. This article summarizes the translation strategies used by Schereschewsky. Valuing faithfulness to the meaning of the original text, Schereschewsky utilized a range of Chinese styles and dialects that would be meaningful to a variety of readers. Schereschewsky’s familiarity with Jewish commentary provided him with a deep understanding of the original texts, which he brought into his Chinese translation, and the notes section and his interpretations are important additions that aid comprehension for lay readers. His translation therefore not only reflects the translatability, readability and meaning of the scripture but showcases an intercultural dialogue between Judeo-Christian culture and traditional Chinese culture. Representing a hermeneutical and cross-cultural translation that connects Chinese classical traditions with Jewish interpretation of the Scriptures, this translation is part of an ongoing dialogue between these two ancient civilizations. Additionally, it can be seen from this translation that the sacred mission of translating the Bible into Chinese provided Schereschewsky with a sense of purpose and meaning in life; it was in China and in the Chinese Bible that Schereschewsky found refuge and salvation.

Keywords: S.I.J. Schereschewsky; Vernacular Biblical Translation; translationability; transcultural communication

摘要：

本文以中国历史上第一个《圣经》白话中译本《旧约全书》为例,总结了具有多重文化身份的“译经王子”施约瑟的《圣经》翻译策略及其跨文化特质,主要包括：尊重中国传统文化与语言特质;以易读性为导向的翻译目标;塑造诗意化的《圣经》语言风格;使用权威的注释与评点等等。可见,施约瑟的白话《圣经》翻译不仅体现了圣言的可译性、可读性及其中国化历程,而且也是犹太—基督教文化与中国传统文化进行跨文化交流的美好见证。正是通过《圣经》的中文翻译事业,施约瑟实现了他一生最伟大的使命,并在东西文化精神最隐秘的交汇处找到了心灵的归宿。

关键词: 施约瑟, 白话《圣经》翻译, 可译性, 跨文化交流