Dutch translation of the Burda (16th century) refers to the Dutch marginal notes and transliterations found in manuscript DLP‑54, which accompany the Malay translation of the Burda. These annotations, written in Dutch, provide transliteration of Arabic terms and occasional explanatory comments for colonial officials.
Content of the Dutch Notes
The Dutch commentary identifies Arabic words such as achirat, rasulullah, and badr, offering phonetic equivalents and brief glosses. The notes also record the scribe’s observations on the poem’s structure and its use in Acehnese religious gatherings.
Historical Context
During the 16th century, the Dutch East India Company (VOC) began to engage with Aceh, collecting local manuscripts for linguistic and ethnographic purposes. The Dutch annotations in DLP‑54 reflect this colonial interest in Acehnese Islamic literature.
Significance
The Dutch translation layer provides modern scholars with insight into how Acehnese religious texts were perceived by European observers and aids in reconstructing the original Malay rendering of the Burda.
See Also
Source
DLP‑54 – Een 16de‑eeuwse Maleise vertaling van de Burda van al‑Busiri, digitised manuscript, pages 73‑79, 20260707_232246_DLP-54-Een_16de_eeuwse_Maleise_vertaling_van_de_Burda_van_al_Bu_s_i_ri_OCR.txt.