Diane Ceo-DiFrancesco

Faculty Director, Center for Teaching Excellence, Associate Professor
Xavier University

Project Title:

¿Habla Ud. ‘el idioma’ Ignaciano? Glosario de términos Ignacianos y Jesuitas Spanish Translation/Adaptation of Do You Speak Ignatian? 20^th Edition By George W. Traub, S.J.

Overview:

This project involved updating a web-based version of ‘Habla Ignaciano’ from 2007, composed by Robert Dolan, S. J., translating into Spanish the updates that George Traub included in his latest edition of Do you speak Ignatian? And translating additions that George wanted to include in the Spanish edition. I had the distinct pleasure of meeting with George and reviewing key points of his project, receiving several updates from him, and hearing him speak the words in English as I contemplated the appropriate way in which to express his ideas in Spanish. I have been deeply honored to have been asked by him to work on this project and to have spent this time with him. Reading drafts of the document allowed for deeper reflection on key concepts of Ignatian mission and identity during my participation in the Ignatian Colleagues Program.

Rational:

Do you speak Ignatian? 20th edition, will be available in the Spanish language for Hispanics/Latinos in the United States, and Spanish speaking world citizens. This will greatly expand access to the latest edition of George Traub’s work.

Project Details:

There are 49 terms in the Spanish version of Do You Speak Ignatian? George adapted his English version to address a Spanish speaking audience, with clarifications of cultural concepts and historical events. He wanted to dedicate the Spanish edition to Robert Dolan, S. J., who spent many years ministering with great love to people in Peru. George Traub explained to me that during Father Dolan’s time in Peru, he was held prisoner by the Shining Path and condemned to death. However, Father Dolan told his captors, “You cannot take my life; I have already given it to God.”

Indications of Success:

This project will be published soon through the Office of Mission and Identity at Xavier University.

Challenges:

(1) Working through several versions that George produced. (2) Finding the additional time to dedicate to this amazing project. (3) Deciding that the manuscript in Spanish was finally ‘good enough’ to release to the Office of Mission and Identity as a representation of George Traub’s words.