Note on the status of these translations: The Bahá’í Faith recognizes a distinction between “authoritative” translations—those produced through a process of careful translating, rigorous committee editing, numerous proofreadings, and, most noticeably, uniformity of style—and “provisional” translations—those done by individuals outside of official translation channels. While only translations by reputable scholars well versed in the source languages are included here, it must be remembered that errors are not unlikely and the translation styles differ considerably. Only the Sacred Writings of the Bahá’í Faith thus far published in English represent the authentic teachings of the Faith.
Nonetheless, there is precedent for the creation and use of provisional translations where authorized ones are not available. First, in June 1999 the Universal House of Justice wrote that “...favorable consideration has been given to allowing wider use of provisional translations...” (see full letter here). Second, many books in widespread use, such as ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Paris Talks, Promulgation of Universal Peace or Some Answered Questions, are provisional translations. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’, in Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’ (itself consisting of provisional translations), once wrote:
“Thou hast written concerning the translation of Tablets. Perfect translation will be made at a time when a committee of translators is organized. The members of that committee must be composed of several Persians and several Americans, all of whom must have the utmost proficiency in both the Persian and English languages. Then the Tablets will be translated through this committee. For the present the organization of such a committee is not possible. Therefore, whenever the publication of a Tablet becomes necessary, have a proficient person translate it, then circulate it and the end will be attained.” (Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’ vol. II, page 466)
Shoghi Effendi, the authorized interpreter of the Bahá’í teachings and its only authoritatively inspired translator, also felt that translation is an imperfect science requiring a fair degree of latitude. A letter written on his behalf, contained in the compilation Messages to the Antipodes (Mona Vale, Australia: Bahá’í Publications Australia, 1997), p. 58, includes this statement:
“. . .Concerning the different translations of the words. It is surely the original text that should never be changed. The translations will continue to vary as more & better translations are made. Shoghi Effendi does not consider even his own translations as final, how much more translations made in the early days of the Cause in the West when no competent translators existed....” (Written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi)
|
