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: Ruth Anna 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 Hebrew that is transliterated as “Leah” in English is translated in Spanish Sign Language with a sign that signifies weak eyes, referring to Genesis 29:17. (Source: Steve Parkhurst)
The Hebrew that is transliterated as “Rachel” in English is translated in Spanish Sign Language with a sign that signifies the eyelashes, referring to “beautiful eyes” as the opposite of Leah (see Genesis 29:17). (Source: Steve Parkhurst)
Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Genesis 33:7:
Newari: “After that Leah and her children came and paid reverence. Last of all Joseph and Rachel came and paid reverence.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
Hiligaynon: “Then Lea and her children also followed (and)/[linker] knelt-down. And the last who came-near and knelt-down were Jose and his mother Raquel.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
English: “Then Leah and her children came and bowed down. Finally Joseph and Rachel came near and bowed down.” (Source: Translation for Translators)
Leah likewise and her children drew near and bowed down: Leah and her children are the next group to come forward and bow.
And last Joseph and Rachel … bowed down: Joseph is the only child named in the three groups and is mentioned here before his mother, no doubt because of the prominent role of Joseph in the book of Genesis. In some languages it is not natural to name a young child before the child’s mother, so the order may need to be reversed: “… and behind, Rachel and Joseph.”
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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