Bible Recommendation for a non-native English speaker

[JSSebastianoP]

Hello Everyone,

I’m hoping that I am putting this is the right place,

I have a good friend who is from China, not a Catholic, in fact not a Christian, but has indicated to me that she would like to read the Bible (from what I understood: in English). I have given her online links to the Vatican website to read the Bible in English (NAB) or Chinese, not sure which version, but I’m not sure that really matters here…

I’d call my friend’s level of English fluent enough to speak, but as someone who studies foreign language myself I know that it is much harder to read, especially antiquated language.

I was wondering if you all out on the net had any ideas as to what version I should recommend her towards, I was thinking NAB(-RE) (I’ve found it easy to read) or (N)RSV-CE. I know there are some people out there who are “Douay-Rheims-only-ists” but I’m looking for the English-language Bible translation that would be easiest to read and understand for a non-native English speaker.

So, if you have any recommendations, can you tell me why you’d suggest it for this case?

Thank you so much!

Pax,

J. S. Sebastiano P.

 

[SonCatcher]

Naturally, the best translation for your friend would be one in her native language. I understand that the Jerusalem Bible is fairly colloquial so it should be easy to read. It may be even easier for an English learner to read the CEV (Contemporary English Version - not a Catholic translation but I understand that American bishops have approved it for Catholics)

 

[JSSebastianoP]

Naturally, the best translation for your friend would be one in her native language.

Right. She is very gung-ho about her English though, so…

I understand that the Jerusalem Bible is fairly colloquial so it should be easy to read. It may be even easier for an English learner to read the CEV (Contemporary English Version - not a Catholic translation but I understand that American bishops have approved it for Catholics)

Thanks!

Pax,

J. S. Sebastiano P.

 

[jmcrae]

So, if you have any recommendations, can you tell me why you’d suggest it for this case?

TEV, the one with the green cover - it should be labeled “with Apocrypha” - (meaning, it has the Deuterocanon). The books are in the wrong order, but at least they are all there - and the language is simple enough for a child to understand.

If her English is high school level or better, go for a New American or NRSV.

 

[Catholic1954]

I bought a “Catechism of the Catholic Church” in Chinese from the Daughters of Saint Paul bookstore in my area a few years ago; you might try and see if they can help you.

 

[JSSebastianoP]

TEV, the one with the green cover - it should be labeled “with Apocrypha” - (meaning, it has the Deuterocanon). The books are in the wrong order, but at least they are all there - and the language is simple enough for a child to understand.

If her English is high school level or better, go for a New American or NRSV.

Thanks!

Pax,

J. S. Sebastiano P.

 

[puzzleannie]

I hope you mean your friend is from China, now in your country, not that she is still in China. Under no circumstances should you attempt to send bibles or other religious material to anyone in China, you could be placing them in grave danger.

For non-native English speakers the Good News Translation seems to be the easiest to follow while they are learning to become more proficient in the language. ABS American Bible Society has a Catholic version with all the books, look for the maltese cross designation and imprimatur on the product description to make sure you are getting the right one. YOu may want to contact them directly they have parallel English/other language versions for many languages.

 

[JSSebastianoP]

I hope you mean your friend is from China, now in your country, not that she is still in China. Under no circumstances should you attempt to send bibles or other religious material to anyone in China, you could be placing them in grave danger.

Yes. This is what I meant. Thank you for caring so much to give the warning!

For non-native English speakers the Good News Translation seems to be the easiest to follow while they are learning to become more proficient in the language. ABS American Bible Society has a Catholic version with all the books, look for the maltese cross designation and imprimatur on the product description to make sure you are getting the right one. YOu may want to contact them directly they have parallel English/other language versions for many languages.

Thanks! I think I may just have to do that!

Pax,

J. S. Sebastiano P.