“Silence” in Translation 1 Corinthians 14:34–35 in Myanmar and the Development of a Critical Contextual Hermeneutic

by Anna Sui Hluan

Publisher:

Langham

, 2022

Overview

The role of women in the church has long been a contentious topic for Christians. In this groundbreaking study, Dr. Anna Sui Hluan critically examines the understanding of “silence” within the Myanmar context, specifically as it impacts the church’s interpretation of 1 Corinthians 14:34–35. She offers a comparative study of the Judson Burmese Bible alongside versions of the Greek text, exploring the role of translation in reinforcing cultural assumptions and codifying the translator’s interpretive viewpoint. Analyzing the verses in question through the lens of three contemporary schools of interpretation – literal traditional, feminist, and egalitarian – she demonstrates the need for developing a satisfactory contextual hermeneutic for interpreting passages that concern women in Myanmar today.

This interdisciplinary study combines cultural and linguistic awareness, a critical analysis of hermeneutics, and a deep commitment to Scripture as the foundation for faith and life. Dr. Hluan offers the church a model of “believing criticism,” equipping believers to take responsibility for their own interpretations of Scripture and its application in their societies. This is a powerful resource for translators, scholars, church leaders, and all those seeking to faithfully apply the Bible in their contexts.

Key Features

• Examines the understanding of “silence” within the Myanmar context.
• Offers a comparative study of the Judson Burmese Bible.
• Demonstrates the need for developing a satisfactory contextual hermeneutic.

Praise for Print Edition

Dr. Hluan’s believing, industrious, thorough, courageous, and inspiring book displays a formidable command of languages, a respect for history and culture, a detailed knowledge of the challenges of biblical translation, and a courteous engagement with a diversity of perspectives.

--John Roxborogh, PhD. University of Otago, New Zealand

Anna Hluan brings both Western critical scholarship and a native Myanmar perspective to the table in this nuanced and respectful critique of the Judson Bible. In examining the multiple contexts of the Judson Bible, she provides a foundation for ongoing scholarship into this most signicant of Myanmar Bible translations.

--John de Jong, PhD. Laidlaw College, New Zealand

“Silence” in Translation is a wonderfully helpful book when it comes to reading 1 Corinthians today, but it is also a model for how to reread biblical texts with critical eyes in a whole range of contemporary contexts in our complex world.

--Paul Trebilco, PhD. University of Otago, New Zealand

Product Details

• Title: “Silence” in Translation
• Author: Anna Sui Hluan
• Publisher: Langham
• Print Publication Date: 2022
• Pages: 374
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Reader Edition
• ISBNs: 9781839732164, 1839732164
• Resource ID: LLS:SLNCTRNSLTN
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2023-07-10T19:07:04Z

About Anna Sui Hluan

Anna Sui Hluan, holds a PhD in Theology from the University of Otago, New Zealand and is a lecturer at Myanmar Evangelical Graduate School of Theology. She served for twelve years as an assistant pastor as well as women’s commission member of the Myanmar Evangelical Christian Fellowship, of which she later became president. Dr. Sui Hluan has written extensively on language, rights, female emancipation, and the difficulty of scriptural interpretation in the modern world.