Re: English translation of the writings
w.scott23@genie.geis.com
Wed, Apr 19 1995 16:16:25 GMT
Dear Ed,
The original Persian and Arabic writings of Baha'u'llah are written in a
highly exalted and poetic form of those languages. It was, therefore,
considered the most appropriate way to translate them into English to use a
form of language similar to what the Bible was translated into, King James
English, though it's not exactly the same (it's clearer, imho). Shoghi
Effendi was a scholar of the English language studying at Oxford when
'Abdu'l-Baha passed away. We feel he did an extraordinary job at translating
the writings, and his style has been continued in subsequent translations,
although cerain terms are used more these days such as humankind instead of
mankind. Both words mean the same, but humankind is considered more gender
neutral and universal these days (I'm assuming).
Because the translations are authorized by the Central Figures (Baha'u'llah
appointed 'Abdu'l-Baha who appointed Shoghi Effendi, and Baha'u'llah
established the authority of the Universal House of Justice which is now in
charge of making authorized translations), we do consider them sacred
documents, although not as sacred as the originals, naturally. The originals
in possession of the Faith are carefully archived in the Holy Land.
The only revisions I've ever seen were some quotations of Baha'u'llah's
writings in The Promise of World Peace, a statement by the Universal House
of Justice, in which they used a more modern form of English. But these
would not be for the purpose of supplanting the original translations, just
making Baha'u'llah's words about peace a little more accessible to the
general public, which was the target audience for the peace statement. At
least, this is my understanding.
Love and peace, Wendy---{-@
W.Scott23@GEnie.geis.com