The Translation of יהוה‎ in Dholuo: Overview and History

Abstract

The rendering of the divine name יהוה‎ is one of the most debated issues in Bible translation. This is also the case in translation of the Bible into the Dholuo language of Kenya and Tanzania. Different solutions have been proffered in different Dholuo versions, but without a clear rationale. This raises important questions. To what extent do versions used as sources influence translation choice? Should traditional religion and culture provide guidance in the search for a solution? This study analyses renderings of יהוה‎ in existing Dholuo versions against the background of the history of church and mission in the Dholuo context.