Neveštegān (9): The Biblical Words for “To Translate” and “Translator” and Their Origins
Document Type : pajoohesh
Authors
10.22081/jap.2024.76677
Abstract
This article, by Heltzer, examines the origins and evolution of terms for “translator” and “translation” in ancient Near Eastern languages, focusing on Hebrew and Aramaic. It analyzes the Hebrew term mēlīṣ and Aramaic metūrgemān, exploring their appearances in biblical, Phoenician, and Punic contexts. By tracing these terms to roots associated with interpretation and speech, the study highlights connections with Sumerian and Akkadian equivalents and early multilingualism in the region. Heltzer utilises linguistic evidence from inscriptions, clay tablets, and early dictionaries to show how translation practices emerged and how these terms were integrated into Semitic languages by the first millennium B.C.E.
Keywords
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