TRANSLATING LINGUISTIC TABOOS IN THE BIBLE

The process of translating linguistic taboos in the Bible needs to evaluate the impact the taboo had on the audience of the source language (SL) text, and the impact that a proposed translation will have on the audience of the receptor language (RL) culture. This thesis proposes an approach with a focus on questions and considerations for translators to utilize through the translation process. A concept may be taboo in both the source and receptor languages, or it may be taboo in either the source or receptor language. In order to provide an accurate, clear, natural, and appropriate translation for the community, translators need to analyze the linguistic taboo expressions used in the SL text with a focus on emotional impact of the expression on the SL audience. This impact needs to be considered as a factor when translating for a RL and checking the translation in the RL community.