Producing Quality Translations

What It Takes to Produce Quality Translations

Translation involves the delicate art of finding the correct balance between having fidelity to the source language (i.e. Tibetan or Sanskrit) and providing accurate and reader-friendly translations in the target language (i.e. English). In cases where the two languages involved have culturally distinct origins, clashes between accuracy and readability are often difficult to resolve.

84000 enlists translators who have a comprehensive understanding of the underlying philosophical and cultural contexts of the Indo-Tibetan languages and source texts. In order to prevent misinterpretation of the translated words, the translator must also have a mastery of the philosophical, etymological, and cultural roots of the English language.

As such, 84000 recommends a team approach. Led by experts in both the source and target languages, translation teams work together with those who are able to provide specific strengths and expertise. While individual cases vary, a typical team is comprised of Buddhist teacher-scholars, Western academics, editors, proofreaders and, in some cases, experts in Sanskrit, Chinese, and/or other European languages.

View the list of the 60 translators that we are currently funding.

The 84000 editorial team, led by Dr. John Canti (Editorial Chair) and Dr. Tom Tillemans (Editor in Chief), supports translators in producing quality works that meet the standards of the 84000 editorial policy.

An external Board of Reviewers comprised of qualified Buddhist teachers, Western scholars and Sanskrit experts, are also consulted throughout the editorial process.

View members of the 84000 editorial committee and review board.


Posted: 3 Oct 2011