Benefit of the Doubt

It is almost a certainty that most common words have their translation in another language. When it doesn't, it should have its nearest equivalence at the very least. There are many a fitting example for this. Take 'membina' for example. There is no exact rendering of this vocabulary in English. The nearest one is perhaps ‘to train’ or ‘to cultivate’ despite still not reflecting its whole meaning. On the other hand, an idiom does have a much greater probability of not being able to be translated into a target language due mainly to local culture and tradition. For instance, the metaphor ‘si jago merah’ cannot be literally translated into ‘the mighty red’ since it doesn’t mean anything to English native speakers. Or ‘pagar makan tanaman’ (plant eating fence) would be even more difficult to be explained in English than ‘si jago merah’ that could merely be written ‘the enormous fire’.

It is also true with English being a language rich with idioms whose meaning cannot instantly be put across in Bahasa because there is really no idiom or similar expression equivalent to it in Bahasa. If the title of this writing is literally rendered as 'Manfaat Keraguan', it would be just meaningless in Bahasa. To the contrary, this 'benefit of the doubt' idiom has been part of daily choice of verbal/written expression among English native speakers but which we may not have observed and put to use in life.

There was a season where I had been thinking of how a doubt could have a benefit? Or what is the benefit when I'm doubtful? This particular expression turned out to be directed from the first person (I) to the third person (him/her) or the second person (you). When I have some doubt on somebody over an uncertainty of a problem, I had better give him the benefit of the doubt. This means I decide to trust him and put aside any negative thought thay may otherwise be possible (and even logical) resulting from what he had allegedly said or done.

The other intention to give somebody the benefit of the doubt is that we offer the other party a second chance to confirm our doubt over the seemingly unbecoming indications that we have observed at first sight -- which may well be wrong and unreliable. An analysis of the term 'benefit of the doubt' will sort of discover two sides, bright and dark. Giving the benefit of the doubt means showing the bright side of the doubt and trust (once more) that our brother may not be as (bad as) we thought.

An example of application. Someone you know very well has been rumored to harbor an ill-fated intention or show mannerism by some certain people. You can help scotch the 'fire' from spreading by saying to each other: "People tell me we can't trust him anymore, but I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt." And go on to clarify the uncertain issue with the person directly. Someone in central position like a public figure or a church leader who oftentimes have to make public statements or reports need the benefit of the doubt from all of us, members of the public nationwide.

In essence, each one of us needs not only to give but also receive the benefit of the doubt in daily life. A life laden with the ongoing learning process of interpersonal communication, mingling with the inner and near circle of people in society, but above all in the network of family and friends. The need for the benefit of the doubt may well arise at any given time. When you know someone with high integrity has been severely disgraced due to an alleged scandal and you know that person has not been allowed a chance to defend himself, you are in a fitting position to give him the benefit of the doubt. Even in simple cases when you’re waiting for a friend to reply to your important email and it’s already a week or so that the expected response has not hit your inbox, you still need to offer this benefit to your friend. Well, it’s hard, though. I need to sort of struggle within myself to having to extend this benefit to them. My flesh nature would just form a judgment, but this particular writing of mine keeps reminding me not to.

That’s why the spotlight of this language corner does fall upon the idiom ‘benefit of the doubt’ itself from man to man that we need to understand both its definition & context in the native language, and not upon the single word benefit or doubt separately. What is certain, though, out of the wealth of a language we can all learn to make this world a more lovely & peaceful big house provided the inhabitants give the benefit of the doubt to each other generously. Despite hard and it is never easy. (EJ)

Note: This piece first appeared on Reformedia Bulletin Volume IX (IRC Sydney).