A Syntactic and Lexical Analysis of Two Selected German Bible Translations: Schlachter Version 2000 and Hoffnung Für Alle Version

Abstract

This research is a comparative analysis of two German Bible versions i.e. Schlachter Version 2000 and Höffnung für Alle version. The research set out to undertake a syntactic and lexical analysis of both Bible versions. A three-pronged approach was adopted in line with the outlined objectives; firstly, translation strategies employed in translating the two versions were discussed in detail, namely foreignization and domestication as propagated by Lawrence Venuti. This discussion was followed by an analysis of syntactic and lexical differences between the two versions, after which a detailed discussion of the impact of these differences on a semantic level was undertaken. Data was collected from selected excerpts in the books of Psalms in the Old Testament and Hebrews in the New Testament as well as questionnaires. Analysis of the data excerpts identified foreignization and domestication as the main translation strategies applied in these Bible translations. It was also established that translation strategies employed as well as syntactic and lexical differences in both versions influence readers’ understanding of biblical texts. These findings were corroborated by data obtained from the questionnaires. The research was concluded by a brief discussion of other related topics which emerged during this study as potential topics for further research. This study underlines the importance of syntax, lexicon and translation strategies in translating Bibles to achieve their intended purpose and expectations of the target readership.