探討關聯性理論與聖經翻譯之相容性：舉〈撒母耳記上〉二十一至二十五章為例

Abstract

聖經翻譯在語言學與翻譯學界一直是關鍵且挑戰的議題，因其不僅涉及語言的轉換，還涉及整套文化背景脈絡。關聯性理論是一套以讀者為中心的翻譯理論，強調語境效果和處理氣力的平衡。本研究旨在探索關聯性理論在聖經翻譯中的應用和效果，筆者使用關聯性理論作為理論框架，翻譯《撒母耳記上》二十一至二十五章，並透過質性分析比較不同中文聖經譯文的差異。本研究總結出關聯性理論如何幫助譯者產出更符合讀者語境的譯文，例如如何適當處理原文中的比喻以增強讀者的理解。然而，本研究也發現關聯性理論在聖經翻譯的限制，如可能遺失原文中的文學巧思，或讓譯文中出現過度主觀、扁平的解釋。綜合研究結果，關聯性理論作為聖經翻譯的理論框架頗具潜力，但並非任何應用場景都適用。此外，本研究建議建立為個人量身訂做譯文的電子平台。Bible translation has long been a critical and challenging issue in the fields of linguistics and translation studies, as it involves not only the conversion of language but also an entire set of cultural contexts. Relevance Theory is a reader-centered translation theory that emphasizes the balance between contextual effects and processing effort. This study aims to explore the application and effects of Relevance Theory in Bible translation. The author uses Relevance Theory as a theoretical framework to translate chapters 21 to 25 of 1 Samuel and employs qualitative analysis to compare the differences in various Chinese Bible translations. The study summarizes how Relevance Theory helps translators produce translations more aligned with the reader's context, such as how to properly handle metaphors in the original text to enhance the reader's understanding. However, the study also finds limitations of Relevance Theory in Bible translation, such as the potential loss of literary nuances in the original text, or the emergence of overly subjective and flattened interpretations in the translation. In conclusion, Relevance Theory holds potential as a theoretical framework for Bible translation, but it is not suitable for all scenarios. Additionally, this study suggests the establishment of a digital platform for tailor-made translations for individuals.