The Hidden Words of Baha'u'llah: Translation Norms Employed by Shoghi Effendi

Abstract

Shoghi Effendi was the great-grandson of Baha'u'llah, founder of the Baha'i faith. Baha'u'llah's writings were in both Persian & Arabic. The norms used by Shoghi Effendi in translating the central work The Hidden Words (1932) are outlined. These norms are examined in light of his purpose & intention in translating the work. The norms or policies followed include: (1) interpretation & clarification of the original text, (2) elevation of the tone of the lang to "befit the Holy Writ," (3) beautification of the Eng version of the text, & (4) euphonization of the translation. 3 References. B. Annesser Murray