Something I know most of us are aware of and something still important to remember: As we read our ancient texts and especially those from another language, I think its important to keep in mind that they are not just from another language but another culture and another worldview. How we read these texts and interpret them into today is best understood in light of how the original recipients read them. How did the original readers understand the text and how does that accurately carry over to us today? Think about Merkverse. What is the meter used? How important is that? Are there other examples of similar use of verse for instruction in the same time period? Did the meter or the location of the rhyme have pedagogical or applicational significance? These type of questions may come up with answers of no significance and that is fine. The key is to apply such type of reasoning to all parts of the text - and particularly if we are translating and then interpreting in order to teach others. Approaching the text from an historical-grammatical mindset will help us to understand much of the intent behind the authors words. Sometimes this will even change how we interpret these words.
Posted on: Tue, 21 Oct 2014 09:50:45 +0000
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