From Orality to Orality: A New Paradigm for Contextual Translation of the Bible: 2 (Biblical Performance Criticism)

In this groundbreaking work Bible translation is presented as an expression of contextualization that explores the neglected riches of the verbal arts in the New Testament. Going beyond a historical study of media in antiquity this book explores a renewed interest in oral performance that informs methods and goals of Bible translation today. Such exploration is concretized in the New Testament translation work in central Africa among the Vute people of Cameroon. This study of contextualization appreciates the agency of local communities--particularly in Africa--who seek to express their Christian faith in response to anthropological pauperization. An extended analysis of African theologians demonstrates the ultimate goals of contextualization: liberation and identity. Oral performance exploits all the senses in experiencing communication while performer text and audience negotiate meaning. Performance not only expresses but also shapes identity as communities express their faith in varied contexts. This book contends that the New Testament compositions were initially performed and not restricted to individualized silent reading. This understanding encourages a reexamination of how Bible translation can be done. Performance is not a product but a process that infuses biblical studies with new insights methods and expressions. What does orality and public performance have to do with translating the written Scriptures of God? Many misconceptions about the nature of the biblical texts and their communication in modern world languages are corrected in this thoroughly engaging wide-ranging book that offers an innovative multidisciplinary approach to the subject. I can heartily recommend James Maxeys pioneering work on contextualizing the New Testament for effective contemporary multi-sensory re-presentation. This is a vital resource for all students exegetes commentators teachers translators and other communicators of the Word. --Ernst R. Wendland Translation Consultant United Bible Societies Instructor Lusaka Lutheran Seminary In this volume which brings together studies on Bible translation orality and performance criticism James Maxey leads us into new and exciting ways of thinking about and doing Bible translation that takes into serious consideration the local context of the translation. The specific reference to the Vute New Testament translation in Cameroon takes the reader from theory to actual practice and shows the exciting future of Bible translation for performance. --Roger L. Omanson United Bible Societies Consultant for Scholarly Editions and Helps Discarding simplistic communication models and insisting on the role of receptor community in the construction of meaning James Maxeys From Orality to Orality deploys a strategic array of tools (orality studies postcolonial critique performance criticism contextual case studies) that allows development towards a (contextual) missiology of Bible translation and aids in the much needed redefinition of Bible translation as a power activity. In this way Dr. Maxey also contributes significantly to the relocation of Bible translation within the broader context of translation studies. --Philip H. Towner Dean The Nida Institute for Biblical Scholarship American Bible Society James A. Maxey is Director of Program Ministries for Lutheran Bible Translators in Aurora Illinois.