lying flat, prostrate

The interconfessional Chichewa translation (publ. 1999) uses the ideophone ngundangunda to positions like lying prostrate or lying flat (in death). (Source: Wendland 1998, p. 105)

Philip Noss (in The Bible Translator 1976, p. 100ff. ) explains the function of an ideophone: “The ideophone may be identified with onomatopoeia and other sound words frequently seen in French and English comic strips, but in [many] African languages it comprises a class of words with a very wide range of meaning and usage. They may function verbally, substantively, or in a modifying role similar to adverbs and adjectives. They describe anything that may be experienced: action, sound, color, quality, smell, or emotion. In oral literature they are used not only with great frequency but also with great creativity.”

Translation commentary on Psalm 36:12

In this closing verse the psalmist speaks of the future destruction of his enemies as something already accomplished. In a manner of speaking, he points to the fallen enemies and says, “There they lie” (see a similar statement in 14.5), defeated and dead, unable to rise. Since no definite place has been referred to, however, it is best to avoid saying There; something like Good News Translation “See,” or “Look at the evil men who have fallen…,” is best.

Quoted with permission from Bratcher, Robert G. and Reyburn, William D. A Handbook on the Book of Psalms. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1991. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .