The term that is transliterated as “Joseph” in English is translated in American Sign Language with a sign that relates to a) the coat he wore (see Gen 37:3), b) the holding of his clothes by Potiphar’s wife (see Gen 39:12), and c) the many times Joseph experienced grief. (Source: RuthAnna Spooner, Ron Lawer)
“Joseph” in American Sign Language, source: Deaf Harbor
In Spanish Sign Language it is translated with a sign that signifies “dream,” referring to Jacob’s dream at Bethel (see Genesis 28:10 and the following verses). (Source: Steve Parkhurst)
The term that is used for monarchs in ancient Egypt and is transliterated as “Pharaoh” in English is translated in Finnish Sign Language with the sign signifying the “fake metal beard (postiche)” that was word by Pharaohs during official functions. (Source: Tarja Sandholm)
Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Genesis 41:44:
Kankanaey: “He also said to him, ‘I am still king, but it is nevertheless true that nobody/nothing will move if you (sing.) do not give-permission.'” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
Newari: “Then he said to him — ‘Even though I am Pharaoh, no one in the land of Egypt will get to do anything without your command.'” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
Hiligaynon: “The king also said to Jose, ‘I (am) the king here in Egipto, but if you (sing.) will- not -allow-(whatever) no one can-do whatever here in Egipto.'” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
English: “The king said to Joseph, ‘I am the king, but no one in the whole land of Egypt will do anything if you do not permit them to do it.'” (Source: Translation for Translators)
I am Pharaoh: this statement appears to emphasize the authority given to Joseph in the next clause. Therefore the sense is “Although I am the king, no one shall do anything without your permission.”
No man shall lift up hand or foot: this figurative expression is used to emphasize and make vivid that no one can undertake anything without Joseph’s permission. Biblia Dios Habla Hoy says “no one in all Egypt shall move a finger without your permission,” Bible en français courant “… move the little finger.” Translators should use whatever expression means to do the least activity possible. Another way of expressing the idea is to say “Before they do anything they must get your permission.”
Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. and Fry, Euan McG. A Handbook on Genesis. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1997. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .
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