Demonization of Local Terminology in Bible Translation: The Case of Nat in the Kachin Bible

Abstract

There are cases in which Bible translation has involved the demonization of local terminology. This is the case with the translation of the Bible into the Kachin language of Myanmar (Burma). The pre-Christian religion of Kachins was Nat worship, which provided religious vocabulary items for the Kachin Bible translation. The local term Nat (meaning “spirit”) was used for several demonological terms in the Kachin Bible. This study argues that the local term Nat was demonized in the process of Bible translation, resulting in a lasting and damaging impact on the biblical and theological understanding of Kachin Christians.