The Arabic Bible
The Arabic Bible

The reception of the Bible in Arabic gives evidence of various kinds and manners of translation from early times onwards. A revival of translation activity occurred in the 19th century. Clearly, technique, purpose, context and use of translation vary greatly throughout the ages.

Due to its primary and explorative character, scholarly research on this topic was often confined to the reconstruction and evaluation of the textual basis of translations. It therefore seems promising and beneficial to relocate Arabic translations of the Bible in their linguistic and cultural context.

Translation can not be seen as a matter of linguistics only (Bassnett 1980). Besides linguistic premises and facilities, intellectual frameworks as well as policies determined by historical settings have a deep impact on outlines and character of translations. In addition, translation has become a paradigm of Cultural Studies exemplifying a continuous process of transformation (Bachmann-Medick, 2007; Trivedi 2005). The inspiration gained from these views is that adaptation is not less original than the original.

The background of religious multiplicity in the Middle East underlines the importance of translation, and the Bible which can be considered as a shared cultural heritage with respect to its Islamic reception is a particularly rich and multifaceted topic.

We would like to discuss possible dimensions and requirements of a research on the linguistic and cultural dimensions of Bible translations, and we are keen to consult and cooperate with colleagues on the ground, who are experienced and interested in this field.

Further on, a conference on the issue with scholars from Lebanon and abroad can be prepared. This symposium is to be scheduled not before the end of 2008. Institutions which would like to join the OIB in organizing such an event are invited to contact us to express their interest.