Unitarian ideology and translation strategies in context of the style of Marcin Czechowic’s New Testament (1577)

Abstract

The paper discusses the strategy of translation of Marcin Czechowic’s New Testament translation (1577). The authoress applies the theoretical categories of so called global translation strategy such as scopos, the potential reader, religious attitude as Czechowic’s New Testament was devoted to the unitarian communities. It was arranged as a multifunctional book for religious formation which contained institutionalized transmission of God’s Word. Denominational assumptions are manifested in the selection of translation strategy, style, and method of organizing the text in the book. Both the choice of the specific method of translation and the linguistic form of translations such as Iōannēs Baptistēs – Jan Ponurzyciel were marked by denominational optics of interpretation. The development of humanism broadened the general cognitive horizon. Czechowic’s translation was based on humanistic Greek editions of the time. It is not without reason that we find translators’ assurances as to the method of translation on title pages and in introductions, which were expressed by the concept of “diligence” (Lat. diligentia, Pol. pilność), as well as assurances with regard to the translator’s relationship with the source text – faithfulness to the Greek and Hebrew (veritas graeca, hebraica), or following of an “approved” text (Lat. textus probatus, Old Pol. doświadszony) or “contribution” by confronting different records. Marcin Czechowic, like most Protestant translators, declared faithfulness to the Greek source, however his translation of the Holy Scripture ware also in line with the postulate of veritas confessionis, which was interpreted in various ways depending on doctrinal foundations.