Baraka (as Divine Blessing) as a Bridge in Manding Languages (especially in Jula of Côte d’Ivoire)

Abstract

This article examines the translation of the different contextual senses and functions of the biblical concept of "blessing/to bless" in six Bible translations and in a translation of the Qur‘an in closely related Manding languages (from Côte d'Ivoire, Mali and Burkina-Faso). Most of the qur'anic terms chosen in these arabicized languages to render divine blessing are either inappropriate or inaccurate. They are presented here with the hope of helping other translators, especially those working among groups with significant borrowings from Islamic theological terminology, by sensitizing them to the issues involved. The concept of "blessing" can be a bridge for conveying the biblical message to Muslims in West Africa in a relevant way. In addition, "blessing" is a strategic term to share the Gospel with any target group, especially since any receptor audience in all likelihood has a materialistic concept of blessing.