November 20

We realise that translation is a very difficult task and that however good a translation is there are always differences of opinion, both as to accuracy and style. However, in translating Bahá’í Scripture it is important to remember that the style in the original is an exalted one and this aspect should not be lost when it is translated into other languages. It can be noted, for example, that when the beloved Guardian was making his translations into English he used a style that is far from being that of modern English usage but is admirably suited to the richness and imagery of the original. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated 12 August 1973 to a National Spiritual Assembly; compilation: ‘Translation - Literary Style’, prepared by the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice)