(Women and Words) How do we transcend a Western perspective in Translation? with Dr. Hélène Dallaire

Mutuality Matters

In this episode of Mutuality Matters, “Women in Words: Bible Translation and Why it Matters,” Dr. Helene Dallaire, who holds a PhD in Hebraic and Cognate Studies and serves as the Earl S. Callen Professor of Old Testament and Semitic Languages at Denver Seminary, shares insights on the complexities of Bible translation, the importance of cultural sensitivity, and women in biblical scholarship. She highlights examples from her work in Israel, the Philippines, and with various Bible translation organizations, and emphasizes the need for diverse perspectives in translation teams to avoid biases and achieve accurate translations. The episode touches on the universality of biblical messages and the unique challenges faced by women in different cultural contexts.

00:00 Introduction to Mutuality Matters

00:40 Introducing Dr. Hélène Dallaire

02:37 Hélène's Journey into Bible Translation

07:30 Experiences in Bible Translation

19:48 Complexities and Challenges in Translation

27:13 Addressing Bias in Bible Translation

Guest Bio
Dr. Hélène Dallaire is our guest today. Hélène earned a PhD in Hebraic and Cognate Studies at Hebrew Union College. At Denver Seminary, Hélène is the Earl S. Kalland Professor OT and Semitic Languages and chairs the OT Department. She has served as Associate Pastor at Word Faith Christian Center in Vancouver and Oakville Canada. Hélène has published widely, with titles such as:

• The Baker Illustrated Study Bible

• Apollos OT Commentary Series by IVP

• Dr. Dallaire has published articles and chapters in:

• “Gender Issues and the Role of Women in Joshua,” In Formation and Interpretation of Old Testament Literature. Leiden, Brill

• “Women: Let’s Use Our Voices - Psalm 68:12;” “Daughter of Zion/Jerusalem – Zephaniah 3:14-17;” and “A Woman in a Basket – Zechariah 5,” in Every Woman’s Bible, Tyndale

• A review of Carol Meyer’s, Rediscovering Eve: Ancient Israelite Women in Context (Oxford) in the Journal of the Evangelical Study of the Old Testament

• “Women in the OT: A Legacy to Build On” for Denver Seminary’s Engage Magazine

Hélène teaches courses on Women in the Old Testament, the Ancient Near East, and Women’s Leadership for the Association of Theological Schools, and with a CBE chapter locally. She serves on the board of the CBE Denver Chapter. Hélène received a 2024 CBE Lifetime Achievement Award.

Related Resources

Presumption and Bias in Bible Translation
Why We Need to Correct for Patriarchal Bias in Bible Translations
Women and Words: Translation Bias and How to Read the Bible Well with Dr. Roy Ciampa

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in CBE’s Mutuality Matters’ podcast are those of its hosts or guests and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of CBE International or its members or chapters worldwide. The designations employed in this podcast and the presentation of content therein do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of CBE concerning the legal status of any country, area or territory or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers.