A literal translation of Boaz’ question, “Whose maiden (young woman — New American Standard Bible) is this?” would be very inappropriate in Chichewa, for it suggests that he is asking about whom she is married to (with an ulterior motive in mind). He would have to say, “Who is this lady?” (i.e., the assumption being that she is married, but the term used is one of respect).

Source: Wendland 1987, p. 173.