The Challenge of Translating the Bible
Thursday, May 14th, 2009
Lecture by Professor Robert Alter
Distinguished Scholar Series - Spring 2009 Washington DC Jewish Community CenterNumerous translations of the Bible abound, from the popular King James version to illustrated versions of the Books for children. Some strive for accessibility; others strive for fidelity. Each translator must make choices and grapple with questions of accuracy, readability, tone, and other such problems posed by translating an ancient text into modern language. Professor Alter addresses the challenges involved in translating the Torah and the way he negotiates these issues in the creation of his celebrated Biblical translations.
Dr. Alter is the Class of 1937 Professor of Hebrew and Comparative Literature at the University of California at Berkeley.
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