sheep

“Sheep are known throughout most of the world, even though, as in Central Africa, they are a far cry from the fleecy wool-producing animals of colder climates. Where such animals are known, even by seemingly strange names, e.g. ‘cotton deer’ (Yucateco) or ‘woolly goat’ (Inupiaq), such names should be used. In some instances, one may wish to borrow a name and use a classifier, e.g. ‘an animal called sheep.’ In still other instances translators have used ‘animal which produces wool’, for though people are not acquainted with the animals they are familiar with wool.” (Source: Bratcher / Nida)

In Dëne Súline, it is usually translated as “an evil little caribou.” To avoid the negative connotation, a loan word from the neighboring South Slavey was used. (Source: NCEM, p. 70)

Note that the often-alleged Inuktitut translation of “sheep” with “seal” is an urban myth (source Nida 1947, p. 136).

See also lamb and sheep / lamb.

complete verse (Deuteronomy 22:1)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Deuteronomy 22:1:

  • Kupsabiny: “Do not see the cow of your neighbor or his sheep being lost and then abandon (them). But turn and bring them back to their homestead.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “Seeing an Israelite neighbor ox or sheep going the wrong way, do not act as if you had not seen it. Return it to Israelite neighbor.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “‘If you (plur.) see the cow or sheep of your (plur.) fellowman wandering-around-lost, you (plur.) do- not -ignore it but/instead you (plur.) take- it -back to the owner.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “‘If you see some Israeli’s ox or sheep that has strayed away, do not act as though you did not see it. Take it back to its owner.” (Source: Translation for Translators)