Translation Methodology
The CEB uses a balance of dynamic equivalence and formal equivalence translation principles. Ease of comprehension was measured using the standard Dale-Chall Readability Formula so a 7th grade reading level could be attained. The translators' goal is to produce a rendering of the Bible at the same reading level as the USA Today newspaper.
Portions of scripture were assigned to each of the 120 translators. Each produced a draft translation which was then reviewed and modified by a co-translator. The resulting text was then sent to one of 77 "reading groups", teams of five to ten non-specialists that read it out loud and noted awkward translations. The rendering, along with suggestions for improvement, was then sent to a readability editor to check style and grammar, followed by a complete review by the editor for that section of the Bible. The text was then put before the entire editorial board which resolved any lingering controversies and ensured consistency throughout the entire Bible translation.
The translators include such scholars as Tremper Longman, Luke Timothy Johnson, David L. Petersen, Brent A. Strawn, Beverly Gaventa, Gail O'Day, Cynthia Westfall, and Joel B. Green. They come from 24 Protestant, Catholic, and Jewish faith communities. Members of the reading groups belonged to 13 denominations. Overall more than 700 people worked on the Common English Bible.
Read more about this topic: Common English Bible
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