A critical study of the translation of Mark 1:12 in the Dangme translation of the Bible

Abstract

Bible translation from the Source Languages (SL) to Receptor Languages (RL) is not a straightforward exercise. The question is whether Bible translation involves interpretation. Using the mother-tongue biblical hermeneutics approach, this study sought to examine Mark 1:12 in the Dangme Bible, comparing it with the Greek. Its objective was to find out whether the translation of the Greek in Dangme kai euthus to pneuma auton ekballei eis tēn erēmon as Amlônôuuô, Mumi Klôuklôuô tsε  eyi  se  kε  ho  nga  a  nôya (‘Immediately, The Holy Spirit pushed him by head from behind into the wilderness’) generates a new meaning. The study found out that the translation of ekballein into Dangme was a problem that confronted the translator; this was because the word implies a strong action. On the other hand, indigenous Dangme Bible readers did not understand how the Holy Spirit could “push” Jesus into the wilderness.  It is being proposed that the translation of Mark 1:12 in the Dangme Bible should be Amlôô mi  nôuuô, Mumiô  ha  nε  e  ho  nga  a  nôya (Immediately the Spirit made him go into the wilderness). The study has thus added to the varied translations and interpretations of Mark 1:12.