Translations in the History of Eastern Christianity

Translations are, by their very nature, a transcultural phenomenon. Translators seek to re-express concepts developed in one complex cultural matrix within the pre-existing linguistic confines of another, transforming the concepts themselves and potentially also discourse in the target language. The translation activities of eastern Christian communities are well-known as a conduit for the transmission of ancient knowledge not only within the Middle East but also to Europe via Latin translations of Arabic texts. While numerous studies of individual aspects of eastern Christian translation cultures have appeared, few have taken a more comprehensive approach. This project therefore examines translations across the spectrum of eastern Christian languages in order to show the potential of the field of eastern Christianity for understanding a nexus of questions surrounding language, belief, and community.

Keywords:Translations, Kerkgeschiedenis, Oosters christendom, Vertalingen, History of Christianity, Eastern Christianity

Disciplines:History of religions, churches and theology, Study of Christianity