Theory of translation has to do with whether one puts primary emphasis on _____________________ or _____________________ equivalency.

The theory of translation indeed revolves around the concepts of functional and formal equivalency. Functional equivalency emphasizes conveying the meaning and intent of the original text in a way that resonates with contemporary readers, prioritizing the impact of the message over word-for-word accuracy. This approach seeks to consider the context, cultural nuances, and the naturalness of expression in the target language.

On the other hand, formal equivalency focuses on a more direct word-for-word translation that seeks to retain the grammatical structure and vocabulary of the source text as closely as possible. This approach aims to preserve the original text’s wording and structure, thus providing readers with a sense of the original language and style.

Understanding these two approaches is essential in translation studies, particularly for biblical texts, where both the integrity of the original message and its accessibility to modern readers must be carefully balanced. Therefore, the correct emphasis on functional versus formal equivalency allows translators to navigate these challenges effectively.