“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: NCAM, p. 70)
Note that the often-alleged Inuktitut translation of “sheep” with “seal” is an urban myth (source Nida 1947, p. 136).
Many languages use a “body part tally system” where body parts function as numerals (see body part tally systems with a description). One such language is Angguruk Yali which uses a system that ends at the number 27. To circumvent this limitation, the Angguruk Yali translators adopted a strategy where a large number is first indicated with an approximation via the traditional system, followed by the exact number according to Arabic numerals. For example, where in 2 Samuel 6:1 it says “thirty thousand” in the English translation, the Angguruk Yali says teng-teng angge 30.000 or “so many rounds [following the body part tally system] 30,000,” likewise, in Acts 27:37 where the number “two hundred seventy-six” is used, the Angguruk Yali translation says teng-teng angge 276 or “so many rounds 276,” or in John 6:10 teng-teng angge 5.000 for “five thousand.”
This strategy is used in all the verses referenced here.
And the half, the portion of those who had gone out to war, was in number …: The numbers in verses 36-40 are half of those in verses 32-35, since they refer to the half-share of booty that the Israelite soldiers received (verse 27). Verses 36-40 will be easier to read if they are presented as a list, using numbers in figures (so Bijbel in Gewone Taal). Those who had gone out to war is literally “those who had gone out in the war [or, army]” (see the comments on verse 27), which may be rendered “those who had fought in the battle” (New International Readers Version) or simply “the soldiers” (Good News Translation). War renders the Hebrew word tsavaʾ again (see verse 3).
Three hundred and thirty-seven thousand five hundred sheep, and the LORD’s tribute of sheep was six hundred and seventy-five: As in verse 32, the Hebrew word for sheep (tsʾon) is better rendered “sheep and goats” (Good News Translation). For tribute see verse 28. The LORD’s tribute is literally “the tax/levy/dues for the LORD.” For the soldiers this tax was 1/500 of their half-share of booty (verse 28). Six hundred and seventy-five is 1/500 of three hundred and thirty-seven thousand five hundred.
The cattle were thirty-six thousand, of which the LORD’s tribute was seventy-two: For the generic Hebrew word rendered cattle (baqar), see verse 28, where it is translated “oxen.” Seventy-two is 1/500 of thirty-six thousand.
The asses were thirty thousand five hundred, of which the LORD’s tribute was sixty-one: For asses see verse 28. Sixty-one is 1/500 of thirty thousand five hundred.
The persons were sixteen thousand, of which the LORD’s tribute was thirty-two persons: The Hebrew only mentions persons (literally “person of humankind”), but it is clear from the context that they are “virgins” (Good News Translation; see verse 35). Thirty-two is 1/500 of sixteen thousand.
Quoted with permission from de Regt, Lénart J. and Wendland, Ernst R. A Handbook on Numbers. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2016. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .
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