Serve with ABWE

Translation Ministries

Producing printed literature and audio materials in the heart language of the people we serve should be an integral part of any church planting effort. Since more than one-half of the world's adult population is unable to read, literacy programs are a valuable tool to enhance the quality of people's lives as well as spread the salvation message. Often, teaching English classes is the key that unlocks the door to areas closed to the gospel. Many countries that deny access to missionaries eagerly accept and even recruit those with skills in teaching English. English classes foster friendships built on confidence and respect which then provide opportunities for evangelism.

ABWE's International Translation, Literacy, and ESL Ministry (WORD Ministries) stands ready to help outreach teams, both missionaries and nationals, produce materials and establish programs on ABWE fields world-wide.

WORD Ministries: ABWE's International Translation, Literacy and ESL Ministries

Motto: "Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God."

Goal: To ensure the production of accurate, natural, and understandable, mother-tongue Scriptures and other evangelism and discipleship tools, and to promote the development of effective translation, literacy and ESL programs on ABWE fields as a vital part of church-planting efforts.

With a team of more than thirty trained and experienced consultants, the help WORD Ministries offers takes many forms: initial survey work, project planning and guidance, training of missionaries and nationals in specific translation and literacy skills, producing materials (printing, graphic arts, etc.), fostering use of materials, seeking funding for major projects, follow-up consulting, and evaluating translation and literacy programs.

Purpose: To provide a recognized authority and help source for all ABWE fields as they develop and evaluate programs and projects in the ministry areas of translation (Scriptures and other materials, both written and audio-visual), literacy and ESL, and to provide a high standard of excellence.

Current Projects and Updates

Togo – Bible translation (Kabiye), literature, and literacy programs (Kabiye and Ewe)
South Asia – Bible translation, literature, and literacy in several tribal languages
Muslim central Europe – literacy
Mali – literacy ( Songhai)
Southeast Asia – Bible translation, literature and ESL
France – translation
China – translation
Russia – translation
Ukraine – translation
India – translation
Portugal – translation

FAQ's

  1. How long does it take to train a translation team?
  2. How long does it take to translate the NT?
  3. How long does it take to translate the OT?
  4. What is used as the base for translation?
  5. What training do consultants need?
  6. What are qualifications required of consultants?
  7. What are qualifications required of translators?
  8. What about unwritten languages?
  9. What about language groups with no believers to serve on a translation team?
  10. How does WORD prioritize projects?
  11. How do computers help in translation?
  12. How can WORD be sure of the translation accuracy/quality?
  13. How many members are on a translation team?
  14. How much does a translation project cost?
  15. Are only large people groups chosen for translation projects?
  16. What are some good materials we can read to learn more about translation?
  17. Why are literacy rates so low in the US and in third world countries?
  18. How much does it cost to establish a literacy program? To keep it running?
  19. How can we help, beyond praying?
  20. How can I request more information?

1. How long does it take to train a translation team?

Ideally, at least one week with reviewers present so that the team has enough practice in translation and checking. Training can be done in two days, but there should be follow-up sessions later to allow more practice.

2. How long does it take to translate the NT?

Usually 6 to 10 years to allow adequate time to check and revise the draft, assuming there is a team of native speakers trained to check and revise. It also assumes there is a consultant in touch with the project who can check the translation against the original language for accuracy.

3. How long does it take to translate the OT?

Usually 10 to 15 years to allow adequate time to check the OT and revise the NT after the OT is finished.

4. What is used as the base for translation?

Ideally, the Greek or Hebrew text. If that isn't possible, then a common language Bible version in a language which the translator knows well. In that case, the consultant's job will be to ensure the accuracy of the translated draft against the original language text.

5. What training do consultants need?

Training in Hebrew, Greek, Bible/theology, linguistics, translation theory and principles, as well as hands-on practice in an actual translation project.

6. What qualifications are required of consultants?

Previous translation training and experience, access to translation resources.

7. What qualifications are required of translators?

Salvation, spiritual discernment, evidence of a Spirit-filled life, good knowledge of the Bible and the culture of Bible lands and Bible times, hard worker able to do tedious work, willing to accept correction, desire to serve God through translation work. A translator must also be a native speaker of the target language and know the grammar and vocabulary of both the target and source languages. Training in basic linguistic theory and practice is desirable, but attending a translation workshop is essential.

8. What about unwritten languages?

Translation can be done in the oral language and recorded on audio cassettes. In order to produce written material, a team must reduce the language to writing and develop an orthography before it can start the translation process.

9. What about language groups with no believers to serve on a translation team?

People who have the linguistic qualifications and are hard workers can begin to translate, as WORD and its supporters pray for and aim toward leading these people to salvation.

10. How does WORD prioritize projects?

WORD must take many factors into consideration before prioritizing projects, such as the need for the project, availability of a consultant and qualified mother-tongue nationals, Field Council approval, and funding availability.

11. How do computers help in translation?

In some languages, computers can be used to do a rough draft of the translation, which later must be carefully checked and revised to be sure that the language is natural and conveys the proper meaning. If the target language uses Roman script for writing, or if there is a computer program for the script of a language which doesn't use Roman script, computers are wonderful tools for typing the drafts and making corrections, and for typesetting the finalized drafts. Computers are also helpful in preparing word lists and concordances even during the translation process. Most importantly, many software programs are available now which provide a variety of translator helps and interlinear checking possibilities.

12. How can WORD be sure of the translation accuracy/quality?

By having its personnel train the translators and checkers, study written back-translations of the drafts, and spot-check passages with the translator and others on the translation team. Testing the draft with native speakers of the target language is another important means of ensuring the quality of the translation.

13. How many members are on a translation team?

There is no hard and fast rule for this, but perhaps the minimum would be one translator and at least three reviewers. The number can be much more than this if qualified people are available. There must also be a project coordinator who oversees the progress of the project even though he/she may not be directly involved in the translation work.

14. How much does a translation project cost?

This varies greatly from project to project, but one organization which directs translation projects in many language groups has set $10,000 as the minimum that must be on hand before the project can be started. One of the major expenses is the cost of printing.

15. Are only large people groups chosen for translation projects?

No, many projects are being carried on among people groups with fewer than 1000 speakers of a language. If possible, each person deserves the opportunity to read God's Word in his own heart language.

16. What are some good materials we can read to learn more about translation?

Most of the books about translation are fairly technical, but here are a few suggestions:

17. Why are literacy rates so low in third world countries and in the US?

In third world countries, many never have the opportunity to attend school. Those who do may learn to read the national or trade language rather than their own mother-tongue language. In the US, some pass through school without learning to read, while others quit school or attend sporadically. In all parts of the world, adults need classes and materials geared to them, not to children, to motivate and encourage them. Embarrassment or fear of failure keeps many adults from attending literacy classes.

18. How much does it cost to establish a literacy program? To keep it running?

Costs can be minimal, especially when teachers volunteer. Some expense is involved with the workshops to construct primers and to train, transport, house, and feed teachers as well as workshop participants. The greatest expense is usually the printing of primers and new-reader materials.

19. How can I help beyond praying?

Seek training to teach literacy classes wherever you live, whether in the US or overseas. A good source of training is Literacy and Evangelism International in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Search out those around you who cannot read and teach them! You can also financially support overseas literacy workers and programs through WORD Ministries.

20. How Can I request more information?