Sefer Tehillim in a Pakistani context: historical, translational and linguistic study of the Punjabi metrical psalms by Rev. Dr. Imam-ud-Din Shahbaz

Sefer Tehillim or the book of Psalms translated into Punjabi language is the most
accustomed, read, sung, recited and memorized part of Scriptures by the body of
Christ in Pakistan. Firstly, this thesis aims to explore the fascinating history behind
the making of these Psalms, the life of Rev. Dr. Imam-ud-Din Shahbaz who translated
them in versified form, key factors behind their popularity, and elements that hindered
their preparation. Secondly, selected Psalms are analyzed in order to examine the
overall translation quality of these Psalms and how meaning in the original has been
conveyed in the Punjabi translation. An attempt has been made to draw attention to
the linguistic barriers in the Punjabi translation that hinders the acquisition of a clear
comprehension for both urban and rural Punjabi speakers. Thirdly, although the
Psalms in Punjabi are much cherished by Punjabi Christians in Pakistan, value for a
poetical translation of the Psalms for Muslim brethren in the Islamic context of
Pakistan and bridge-building factors in the book of Psalms have been highlighted.
Finally, sociolinguistic issues facing the Punjabi Christians in Pakistan, their attitude
towards their mother-tongue and its likely effect on the continuation of the Psalms in
Punjabi and of the availability of Scripture in Punjabi are discussed. The thrust of this
thesis is to esteem the shared heritage of the Pakistani Christians, the Psalms in
Punjabi commonly known as the Punjabi Zaburs.