Abstract
This paper critically revisits the symbolic recognition of Eugene Nida in translation studies in the
light of his involvement in missionary organisations and missionary translator training. We examine
how the reception of Eugene Nida within translation studies has contributed to legitimizing evangelical
missionary activities throughout history and nowadays. Our analysis first illustrates various
modes of Nida’s representation in translation studies and draws links to the Summer Institute of Linguistics.
Subsequently, we outline how Nida’s active engagement in missionary organizations played
a critical role in establishing their academic legitimacy. Finally, we embed these insights in a broader
discussion of the relationship between translation studies and missionary translation. Our findings
show the need for thorough scholarly debate aimed at reassessing the positioning of key figures within
the disciplinary canon and reconstructing the effects of 20th and 21st century missionary translation
on the rights of Indigenous peoples, their cosmovisions and their territories.
Keywords: Eugene Nida, disciplinary history, missionary translation, Indigenous translation, human
rights