معرفی
Prof. Christo van der Merwe is a theologian and Semitist at Stellenbosch University (South Africa), holding the Eric Samson Endowed Chair of Biblical-Hebrew Grammar. He leads the Center for Bible Translations in Africa (founded 1997), dedicated to equipping Black-African students with modern translation methodologies and cultural insights for Bible translation projects. Born in 1957, he studied theology and Semitic languages at Stellenbosch University and Ludwig Maximilian University Munich. His doctoral work (1988) focused on the Old Hebrew particle 'gam' in Genesis-2 Kings.
Research emphasizes applying contemporary translation science and digital tools to African Bible translation, with particular attention to gender representation and cultural context. During his 2004 guest professorship at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, he presented lectures on African Bible translations, biblical narrative analysis, and intercultural communication in translation. His work bridges linguistic precision with socio-cultural relevance, addressing both academic and practical aspects of biblical exegesis.
Key publications include a seminal Hebrew reference grammar (1999) and a volume exploring South African perspectives in translation studies (2002). Though no awards are explicitly mentioned, his academic leadership and innovative approaches to translation science reflect significant scholarly contribution.
