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Deuterocanon in modern Latvian:
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| The Rev Dr Juris Calitis, translation committee coordinator and Dean of the Faculty of Theology at the University of Riga, speaking at the launch of the Deuterocanon in Latvian in July 2005. Photo: Latvian BS (LAT05DJ-2.JPG) |
LATVIA — The Latvian Bible Society had only been operating as a national Society for five years when, in 1995, it launched an ambitious project to produce an ecumenical Bible translation in modern Latvian. Following the publication of various Portions, the project reached a key landmark in July with the launch of the Deuterocanonical books to an audience of Church leaders and theologians at the University of Riga.
Inaccessible
Previously, the Deuterocanon had been largely inaccessible to speakers of Latvian, being available only in 19th century Bible editions written in the old Latvian orthography. “Even theological students could only read fragments of these books!” says the Bible Society. Now, though, the Deuterocanon is open to all, a development which has been warmly welcomed, as reflected in the comments written on the reply slips that the Society included with each copy.
Not an expert
“I am not an expert in Greek or Old Slavonic and I can evaluate the work of the translators only as an ordinary reader of the text,” writes one respondent. “However, my response is very positive. Reading these books will enrich the experience of every Bible reader. I have only been reading them for a few weeks, but already I am gaining some valuable insights.”
Familiar with the text
And for Dr Juris Calitis, co-ordinator of the translation committee and Dean of the Faculty of Theology at the University of Riga, the launch of the Deuterocanonical books had particular significance. Having grown up in England, he was familiar with much of the text in English. Now, finally, his long wait to read these books in his native language is over. (WR 397/12 - 11.05) [2 photos]