Alexander Akaninga, J. Kuwornu-Adjaottor, Amutanga Akaninga
The study sought to analyze the translation of the Greek word “ἄφες” (forgive) as “patience” in the Farefare language of the Upper East Region of the Republic of Ghana. Using the views of respondents in the field study conducted as well the mother-tongue biblical hermeneutics methodology by Kuwornu-Adjaottor, the findings of the study maintained that the Farefare term suguru which is often used to translate “ἄφες,” is inappropriate because suguru is a noun, while “ἄφες” is a verb. The study also established that the word bahɛ in Farefare means “forgive,” and frequently accompanies the noun be’em (sin/wrongdoing). The cultural understanding of the Farefare is that patience is necessary before granting forgiveness. As a result, this research recommends that the Farefare translation incorporates both “patience” and “forgive” in the appropriate order (that is patience first and then forgive) to reflect the intended meaning of the text and the indigenous cultural understanding. This work contributes to interpreting Biblical texts in the field of theology. Keywords: Sin, Forgiveness, Lord’s Prayer, Matthew, Luke, Farefare Translation, Patience, Suguru, ἄφες
{"title":"Interpretative Analysis of the Translation of Matthew 6:12 in the Farefare Bible","authors":"Alexander Akaninga, J. Kuwornu-Adjaottor, Amutanga Akaninga","doi":"10.38159/motbit.2024632","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.38159/motbit.2024632","url":null,"abstract":"The study sought to analyze the translation of the Greek word “ἄφες” (forgive) as “patience” in the Farefare language of the Upper East Region of the Republic of Ghana. Using the views of respondents in the field study conducted as well the mother-tongue biblical hermeneutics methodology by Kuwornu-Adjaottor, the findings of the study maintained that the Farefare term suguru which is often used to translate “ἄφες,” is inappropriate because suguru is a noun, while “ἄφες” is a verb. The study also established that the word bahɛ in Farefare means “forgive,” and frequently accompanies the noun be’em (sin/wrongdoing). The cultural understanding of the Farefare is that patience is necessary before granting forgiveness. As a result, this research recommends that the Farefare translation incorporates both “patience” and “forgive” in the appropriate order (that is patience first and then forgive) to reflect the intended meaning of the text and the indigenous cultural understanding. This work contributes to interpreting Biblical texts in the field of theology.\u0000\u0000Keywords: Sin, Forgiveness, Lord’s Prayer, Matthew, Luke, Farefare Translation, Patience, Suguru, ἄφες","PeriodicalId":477173,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Mother-Tongue Biblical Hermeneutics and Theology","volume":"103 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141116052","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
This study delves into the intricate landscape of Mother Tongue Biblical Hermeneutics within the context of African Biblical Hermeneutics, aiming to unravel its origins, discern trends, and confront challenges. Employing a qualitative research methodology grounded in extensive literature review and critical analysis, this investigation explores the evolution and current state of Mother Tongue Biblical Hermeneutics in the African context.Findings underscore the significance of linguistic and cultural nuances in biblical interpretation, emphasizing the role of indigenous languages in shaping contextual understanding and relevance. Moreover, the study identifies persistent challenges including colonial legacies, linguistic imperialism, and theological biases that impede the full realization of Mother Tongue Biblical Hermeneutics.In light of these findings, recommendations are proposed to foster the integration of indigenous languages into biblical scholarship, advocate for linguistic diversity, and promote inclusivity in theological discourse. Ultimately, this study contributes to scholarship by illuminating the vital intersection of language, culture, and interpretation in African Biblical Hermeneutics, thereby enriching theological dialogue and advancing decolonial approaches to biblical studies. Keywords: Biblical Hermeneutics, African Biblical Hermeneutics, Mother-tongue Biblical studies, Origin, Trends and Challenges.
{"title":"Mother Tongue Biblical Hermeneutics within the Context of African Biblical Hermeneutics: It’s Origin, Trends and Challenges","authors":"Richard Osei Akoto","doi":"10.38159/motbit.2024631","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.38159/motbit.2024631","url":null,"abstract":"This study delves into the intricate landscape of Mother Tongue Biblical Hermeneutics within the context of African Biblical Hermeneutics, aiming to unravel its origins, discern trends, and confront challenges. Employing a qualitative research methodology grounded in extensive literature review and critical analysis, this investigation explores the evolution and current state of Mother Tongue Biblical Hermeneutics in the African context.Findings underscore the significance of linguistic and cultural nuances in biblical interpretation, emphasizing the role of indigenous languages in shaping contextual understanding and relevance. Moreover, the study identifies persistent challenges including colonial legacies, linguistic imperialism, and theological biases that impede the full realization of Mother Tongue Biblical Hermeneutics.In light of these findings, recommendations are proposed to foster the integration of indigenous languages into biblical scholarship, advocate for linguistic diversity, and promote inclusivity in theological discourse. Ultimately, this study contributes to scholarship by illuminating the vital intersection of language, culture, and interpretation in African Biblical Hermeneutics, thereby enriching theological dialogue and advancing decolonial approaches to biblical studies.\u0000\u0000Keywords: Biblical Hermeneutics, African Biblical Hermeneutics, Mother-tongue Biblical studies, Origin, Trends and Challenges.","PeriodicalId":477173,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Mother-Tongue Biblical Hermeneutics and Theology","volume":"6 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141117600","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
One of the major challenges facing contemporary Ghanaian Christianity is ineffective discipleship. Consequently, Christianity has little influence on the moral life of its adherents. No wonder Ghana has a high Christian population, yet corruption and wickedness abound in its societies. The priorities of many contemporary Christians have shifted from the pursuit of the kingdom of God and its righteousness to the accumulation of material wealth, the pursuit of upward social mobility and the fixation on earthly gratification, among others. To avert the situation, there is the need for the church to teach biblical principles that will raise disciples of resilient faith for this and generations to come. By drawing out some principles from the Matthean Beatitudes (Matt 5:3-12) as a paradigm for contemporary Christian discipleship, the article sought to contribute to the church’s efforts in dealing with discipleship challenges of current times and beyond. The main argument of this study was that the Christian disciple is called to be different from worldly people in both ethical behaviour and piety. This call to be set apart involves a call to recognise the reality of God’s kingdom; a call to be alongside the poor and sinners; and a call to participate in God’s kingdom community. Keywords: Beatitudes, Christianity, Discipleship, Nzema.
{"title":"An Nzema Mother-Tongue Commentary on the Matthean Beatitudes","authors":"Justice Korankye, I. Boaheng","doi":"10.38159/motbit.2024621","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.38159/motbit.2024621","url":null,"abstract":"One of the major challenges facing contemporary Ghanaian Christianity is ineffective discipleship. Consequently, Christianity has little influence on the moral life of its adherents. No wonder Ghana has a high Christian population, yet corruption and wickedness abound in its societies. The priorities of many contemporary Christians have shifted from the pursuit of the kingdom of God and its righteousness to the accumulation of material wealth, the pursuit of upward social mobility and the fixation on earthly gratification, among others. To avert the situation, there is the need for the church to teach biblical principles that will raise disciples of resilient faith for this and generations to come. By drawing out some principles from the Matthean Beatitudes (Matt 5:3-12) as a paradigm for contemporary Christian discipleship, the article sought to contribute to the church’s efforts in dealing with discipleship challenges of current times and beyond. The main argument of this study was that the Christian disciple is called to be different from worldly people in both ethical behaviour and piety. This call to be set apart involves a call to recognise the reality of God’s kingdom; a call to be alongside the poor and sinners; and a call to participate in God’s kingdom community.\u0000\u0000Keywords: Beatitudes, Christianity, Discipleship, Nzema.","PeriodicalId":477173,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Mother-Tongue Biblical Hermeneutics and Theology","volume":"11 25","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139962556","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Academic referencing, though very significant in scholarship, has not been an easy task for both students and researchers, especially when one is restricted to following a particular referencing style either as instructed by one’s educational institution or by a publishing house through which one seeks a publication. In biblical scholarship, the philosophies of structuralism and deconstruction are very significant, especially as much as textual translation and interpretation are concerned. Several proponents have shared their scholarly views on how they individually appreciate these philosophical concepts. In an attempt to unravel some of such works without neglecting the authors and their central discussions, this paper employed a methodology through the construction of annotated bibliographies of such works. Findings indicated that while structuralism mainly studies the meaning of a text independently of its history and culture, deconstruction considers the world of the audience in line with the author’s intention and how that intention could be relevant to the new audience, taking into account the history of the text and the culture of the audience. Also, some of the key proponents of structuralism and its philosophical development include de Saussure, Levi-Strauss, Sasková and Titchener. Key proponents of deconstruction include Derrida, Norris, Ekem, Kuwornu-Adjaottor, Mugambi, and Nida. Significantly, with a maximum word count of 150 words and not less than 50 words, readers would understand key information contained in the sampled works of the authors through the annotations. Keywords: Referencing, Annotated Bibliography, Structuralism, Deconstruction
{"title":"Structuralism and Deconstruction in Biblical Scholarship: Annotated Bibliographies","authors":"Ernest Jnr Frimpong, J. Kuwornu-Adjaottor","doi":"10.38159/motbit.2024611","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.38159/motbit.2024611","url":null,"abstract":"Academic referencing, though very significant in scholarship, has not been an easy task for both students and researchers, especially when one is restricted to following a particular referencing style either as instructed by one’s educational institution or by a publishing house through which one seeks a publication. In biblical scholarship, the philosophies of structuralism and deconstruction are very significant, especially as much as textual translation and interpretation are concerned. Several proponents have shared their scholarly views on how they individually appreciate these philosophical concepts. In an attempt to unravel some of such works without neglecting the authors and their central discussions, this paper employed a methodology through the construction of annotated bibliographies of such works. Findings indicated that while structuralism mainly studies the meaning of a text independently of its history and culture, deconstruction considers the world of the audience in line with the author’s intention and how that intention could be relevant to the new audience, taking into account the history of the text and the culture of the audience. Also, some of the key proponents of structuralism and its philosophical development include de Saussure, Levi-Strauss, Sasková and Titchener. Key proponents of deconstruction include Derrida, Norris, Ekem, Kuwornu-Adjaottor, Mugambi, and Nida. Significantly, with a maximum word count of 150 words and not less than 50 words, readers would understand key information contained in the sampled works of the authors through the annotations.\u0000\u0000Keywords: Referencing, Annotated Bibliography, Structuralism, Deconstruction","PeriodicalId":477173,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Mother-Tongue Biblical Hermeneutics and Theology","volume":"125 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140493550","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}