On Reflection
From the manse window
NEVER lend your daughter your mobile phone. I made this mistake and my phone came back to me . . . different.
She obviously decided it was high time her dad was bilingual and had installed an app that endeavours to teach me Italian.
Just five minutes a day, or so it claims. It sends me chirpy texts and e-mails to remind me to practise.
It starts off easy enough. I tap on multiple choice options and it makes a pleasant “ding” every time I get one right.
If I get five in a row a cartoon appears and tells me I’m “doing great”.
Mind you, some of the Italian phrases I’m given to translate sound rather peculiar in English:
“I am the man.” Well, obviously.
“The woman decides.” Indeed she does.
“The umbrellas are in the restaurant.” OK.
“My father has a lion.” Really?
And my favourite one so far: “The man in the purple pants is a clown.” The mind boggles.
I find myself wondering who composed these gems and the meaning they actually intended.
Translation is more than just recognising words; it’s understanding the message correctly .
This is what makes translation in places like the United Nations crucial.
It is no less the case when we come to understanding the principles taught by ancient texts.
The Bible was originally written in Hebrew and Greek and there has been for centuries a whole science to ensure we have the most accurate rendition of what the writers were originally seeking to convey.
As an example, the Greek word monai doesn’t translate easily into English.
I had a well-meaning Presbyterian elder pin me to the church door with a fierce allegation:
“I don’t like this modern translation of the Bible! In the Authorised King James Version it says ‘In my father’s house are many mansions’ and in this new one it says ‘there are many rooms’.
“There’s a difference between a mansion and a room!”
Actually, the original word means neither mansion nor room.
It has nothing to do with size or style. It means a “permanent dwelling”.
In other words, there’s space for everyone.
Jesus spoke these words at the Last Supper to comfort his disciples, who were distraught at the news he was leaving them and would in fact be crucified the next day.
Christians ever since have been granted to live with the assurance of a secure heavenly home.
The Bible promises that “whosoever believes in him will not perish but have everlasting life”.
And that’s one simple but crucial message that everyone is able understand. ■
Next week: Maggie Ingall suggests that the greatest gifts in life can be little things.