Summary of FOBAI translation standards

The following summary is extracted from the “Basic Principles and Procedures for Bible Translation.” For full documentation go to FOBAI website.

We endeavor insofar as possible:

1. To translate the Scriptures accurately, without loss, change, distortion or embellishment of the meaning of the original text.
2. To communicate not only the informational content but also the feelings and attitudes of the original text.
3. To preserve the variety of the original.
4. To represent faithfully the original historical and cultural context.
5. To make every effort to ensure that no political, ideological, social, cultural, or theological agenda is allowed to distort the translation.
6. To recognize that it is often necessary to restructure the form of a text in order to achieve accuracy and maximal comprehension.
7. To use the original language Scripture texts as the basis for translation, recognizing that these are always the primary authority.
8. To determine, after careful linguistic and sociolinguistic research, the specific target audience for the translation and the kind of translation appropriate to that audience.
9. To recognize that the transfer into the receptor language should be done by trained and competent translators who are translating into their mother tongue.
10. To give high priority to training mother-tongue speakers of the receptor language in translation principles and practice and to provide appropriate professional support.
11. To test the translation as extensively as possible in the receptor community to ensure that it communicates accurately, clearly and naturally, keeping in mind the sensitivities and experience of the receptor audience.
12. To assess the translation in light of feedback received from a qualified consultant review or equivalent process in order to enhance the quality and appropriateness of the final product.
13. To choose the media for the translation that are most appropriate for the specific target audience, whether audio, visual, electronic, print, or a combination of these.
14. To encourage the periodic review of translations to ascertain when revision or a new translation is needed.
15. To organize translation projects in a way that promotes and facilitates the active participation of the Christian and wider community, commensurate with local circumstances.
16. To partner and cooperate with others who are committed to the same goals.

Additional Sign Language Bible Translation Standards and Best Practices can also be found at the provided link.