The first Chinese version of the Bible

an approach to translation and interpretation strategies in the context of cultural accommodation

Abstract

The Literal Interpretation of the Bible, authored by the Portuguese Jesuit Manuel Dias and considered the first Chinese version of the Bible, later published in a facsimile version since its production in 1636, represents a significant milestone in the missionary historiography of the Society of Jesus in China. It is one of the earliest known works to establish a platform for cultural understanding between the Christian and Chinese worlds, making a substantial contribution to the history of Sino-Western culture and relationship. This text aims to analyze its translation and interpretation strategies, focusing on their adaptation to the social context of the time to better present Catholic culture to the Chinese people.