Translating Scripture for Sound and Performance

"This wonderful introduction to biblical performance criticism draws on recent work in oral cultures and translation studies to show how the Bible as performed opens up new understandings of the Bible and audience, offering important perspectives on questions of fidelity and community. Each of the contributions advances the thesis; together they situate the discussion in widely divergent, intercultural settings to offer a helpful and engaging discussion."

--Paul A. Soukup, Professor of Communication, Santa Clara University



"This is a captivating introduction to the power of performance criticism in the areas of biblical interpretation and translation. It offers a balance between the highly theoretical and the eminently practical. Biblical scholars should take the risk of reading this most stimulating book that, no doubt, will enrich the established fields of biblical hermeneutics and translation."

--Esteban Voth, Head of Translation, United Bible Societies



"Books abound on translation of the biblical text. The essays in this book take the conversation in critical, new directions by exploring the dynamic relationship between translation and performance. It represents essential reading for anyone interested in, not only these two areas, but the nature of the biblical text and communication theory."

--Holly E. Hearon, Professor of Christian Traditions, Christian Theological Seminary



"Well written, authoritative, and suitable for classroom use, this fine collection of essays on biblical performance criticism belongs on the bookshelf of every serious Bible scholar and translator. Editors James Maxey and Ernst Wendland, together with their learned contributors, deserve our thanks for again making it plain that without an understanding of the Bible's original oral and scribal culture, our learned elevator goes only halfway to the top."

--Robert Hodgson, Jr., Dean Emeritus, Nida Institute



"This is a welcome contribution to understanding the complex interaction of sound, performance, and communication strategies in the attempt to effectively translate Scripture for contemporary audiences. Read and be challenged!"

--Bryan Harmelink, International Coordinator, SIL International Translation