Measuring the Adequacy of the Host Text Using Skopostheorie in Bible Translation: The Ethics of Operational Transparency

Abstract

Skopostheorie’s focus on function provides a framework for evaluating translation which is potentially realistic, measurable, and operationally transparent. To realize that potential the translation brief can be critiqued for its principles and methodology, but also the host translation can be measured for its adequacy by comparing the translation decisions in the host text with the instructions in the translation brief. I explore ways to measure translation adequacy within a Skopostheorie framework, using Nord’s definition of translation error and her description of the hierarchy of translation problems (1997). I describe the results of applying measurement tools to the Likɔɔnl translation of the book of Philemon. The tools were designed to identify potential translation errors and grade them based on the hierarchy of importance. The analysis is followed by a preliminary critique of Skopostheorie in relation to translation transparency, translation error, industrial consistency, language status influence on translation methodology, the ethical decision to translate, and postcolonial critiques of Bible translation.