The Linguistics Circle is a monthly gathering of students, faculty, and others who are interested in biblical linguistics. Each gathering, there will be a discussion of a biblical linguistic topic, based on a paper presented by someone in our community—either a student, professor, or a volunteer or invited guest. To gain access to the CBLTE (Centre for Biblical Linguistics, Translation, and Exegesis) site, email cblte@mcmaster.ca. This is where announcements and papers are posted.
The first Linguistics Circle meeting is this Thursday, September 14, 7-9pm. To kick off the new academic year, Moisés Zumaeta, PhD candidate in New Testament, will be presenting his paper entitled “Paul and the Cretan Saying in Titus 1:12: A Racist Slur or a Rebuke against Prejudice?” Using the pragmatics of Geoffrey Leech, he argues that a so-called literal or plain reading of this verse is unwarranted, and that Paul is actually rebuking racial discrimination.
Anyone who is interested in biblical studies, linguistics, Paul’s letter to Titus, or anyone who is simply interested is most welcome to join this and future meetings. If there are any questions, please contact the co-chairs, Dr. David Yoon or Dr. Stanley Porter.