History of Shan Churches in Burma 1861-2001 - Khamkoo

Shan Bible, Hymnbook, Radio, Literature 168
Disagreement and resignation
After reviewing RUTH and GENESIS translated by Aung Htun Shwe, I made some comments
and suggestions on his translation and sent back to translator. Like wise other reviewers also made their
comments and suggestions and sent back to him. However the translator ignored the reviewers’
opinions and kept on translating using the same words and the same phrases those were being objected
by reviewers. The translation was also completely new. It did not follow the agreement made at
HangNam. It was not based on Cushing’s translation as agreed. RSV was not taken as reference.
Instead translator used Good News Bible and translated directly from Good News. The names of the
people were also changed by adding Shan prefix such as Sai, Nang, Saya etc. New words and new
terms which were not common, not heard of, not found in Shan dictionary, were also created and added.
It broke the agreement we made at translation workshop.
These disappointments were expressed to translation consultant David Clerk on August 4, 1987.
However David Clerk did not seemed to understand the importance and significance of the Shan words
and phrases in Shan language used in the new translation. He assumed that Aung Htun Shwe’s
translation was correct.
Comments on Genesis
1. Deviation from the original text.
2. Using the words never exist in the Shan language.
3. Exaggeration by adding extra words.
4. Changing the names of the persons, cities and towns.
5. Wrong translation that may affect the Biblical Truth.
6. Inconsistency in translating the word.
7. Using the language that never used in written form.
8. Invention of new words. (new Shan words being created that cannot be found in dictionary or never
heard of)
9. Not translating the word but explaining the meaning.
10. Some sentences are left out from original text.
11. Using Buddhist term that is against Christian faith.
12. Poor composition leading to no meaning.
Despite the recommendation made to translator again and again there were no improvements or
changes seen. As translator continued doing translation on MATTHEW, the same problems were
found. Despite correction, recommendation and advice given, translator kept on ignoring the comments
and advice. I was very disappointed. I regretfully resigned from the board of reviewers on August 25,
1987 amid frustration and sadness.
Harn Yaunghwe completed JONAH and stopped doing translation. He also resigned from
United Bible Societies Shan Bible Translation Project on March 14, 1988.
(Copy of letter of Mr. Harn’s resignation.)
To. Dr. Daniel Arichea, RECTO-Asia Pacific,
United Bible Societies, Hong Kong.
Subject: Resignation from UBS Shan Bible Translation Project.
Dear Danny,
Technically this letter should be addressed to David Clark in Bangkok since he is the
Translation Consultant for the Shan Project. However you are next door and we have already discussed
some aspects of the project, so I thought I might as well write to you. After thinking through various
options relating to the project, I feel that it would be best if I resigned from UBS Shan Project. This is
because Saya Aung Htun Shwe’s translation style cannot be reconciled with mine and the principles
agreed at Hang Nam in Thailand in 1985. It may also be viewed that I have undue influence because of
my status as a UBS management consultant.