Training for Translators

[John of Japan]

I'd like to share on this thread where you can get academic training to be a Bible translator. There are actually very few such places. I'll list them in no particular order.

First of all, the Summer Institute of Linguistics (SIL) is the granddaddy. (You can see their website here: SIL International.) It was founded in 1934 by William Cameron Townsend, who also founded Wycliffe. SIL is mainly concerned with linguistics. I have been told that nowadays they do not do Bible translation, but mainly train linguists and translators, but I can't confirm that.

They also do extensive linguistic surveys around the world. At our institution we are hoping to someday produce a NT in the Beba language of Africa, where we support a church planting movement. I've been there with one of our students, who did preliminary research for our effort. You can check out the SIL Beba survey here: Rapid appraisal sociolinguistic survey of Beba. Just click on the PDF at the bottom of the page.

For training, they support degrees in linguistics at various places. A friend is working on her thesis for an MA in linguistics with SIL at the U. of North Dakota. I'm impressed with the education she is getting and the support she gets from the profs and advisors.

I have just one caveat here. SIL is following in the tradition of Eugene Nida, who made linguistic knowledge very important for translators. Granted, linguistic skill is vital especially for a pioneer work in an unwritten language. But I believe equal time should be given to translation studies, a field which has grown exponentially in the past 30 years. If you'll look at their "Translation Specialist" degree, you'll see no Greek or Hebrew courses, and no theology, but mainly linguistics with one course on "Translation Principles, Theory and Practice."

 

[John of Japan]

In the fundamentalist world, probably the oldest training institution is Baptist Bible Translators Institute (BBTI), founded in 1973. Here is their website: Home - Baptist Bible Translators Institute

Since it was founded by an actual Bible translator originally trained at SIL (as I recall), who was then followed by another Bible translator (also trained at SIL, I believe), they have a good reputation in my mind. Their textbook by the second director is very practical, and I recommend it: Biblical Bible Translating, by Charles Turner, now in the 3rd ed.

Their course of study leans toward linguistics because of the SIL influence. They also lean towards tribal translating, so someone going to a people group with a written language would not be helped so much. As I understand it (talking to grads), they originally had an M.A. program, but the state of Texas insisted on some things they could not follow in order to offer an M.A., so they just offer a diploma nowadays.

Something anyone interested in going there should know is that that they are strongly TR-Only, I believe you would say. Whether or not that is the reason, or the SIL influence is the reason, they are weak in the original languages, with only one 3 credit class in Greek and nothing in Hebrew. Also, about half of their courses are in missions rather than translation or linguistics--not necessarily a bad idea.

 

[John of Japan]

This summer once again I'll be heading up our group to go to the WorldView Ministries "Team Meeting" for some specialized Bible translation training (by invitation). Here is their website: Worldview Ministries. I have made some wonderful friends at these meetings, fellow Bible translators and linguists. In particular, I have found Ken Fielder, the head of the ministry, to be a humble and good servant of the Lord, passionate about the need for Bible Translation around the world. Last year I had the privilege of presenting our Japanese "Lifeline New Testament" (ライフライン訳新約聖書).

WorldView is an "out of the box" mission board. They support missionary translators and translation efforts in various countries. In India in particular, they offer an M.A. in Bible translation, and have some awesome projects and future projects going there.

 

[Rhetorician]

In the fundamentalist world, probably the oldest training institution is Baptist Bible Translators Institute (BBTI), founded in 1973. Here is their website: Home - Baptist Bible Translators Institute

Since it was founded by an actual Bible translator originally trained at SIL (as I recall), who was then followed by another Bible translator (also trained at SIL, I believe), they have a good reputation in my mind. Their textbook by the second director is very practical, and I recommend it: Biblical Bible Translating, by Charles Turner, now in the 3rd ed.

Their course of study leans toward linguistics because of the SIL influence. They also lean towards tribal translating, so someone going to a people group with a written language would not be helped so much. As I understand it (talking to grads), they originally had an M.A. program, but the state of Texas insisted on some things they could not follow in order to offer an M.A., so they just offer a diploma nowadays.

Something anyone interested in going there should know is that that they are strongly TR-Only, I believe you would say. Whether or not that is the reason, or the SIL influence is the reason, they are weak in the original languages, with only one 3 credit class in Greek and nothing in Hebrew. Also, about half of their courses are in missions rather than translation or linguistics--not necessarily a bad idea.

Hello JoJ,

Do you know of a school or a person that is suppose to translate the memories of their famous grandfather into a written work or book for posterity's sake? LOL!!!

rd

 

[Rhetorician]

I'd like to share on this thread where you can get academic training to be a Bible translator. There are actually very few such places. I'll list them in no particular order.

First of all, the Summer Institute of Linguistics (SIL) is the granddaddy. (You can see their website here: SIL International.) It was founded in 1934 by William Cameron Townsend, who also founded Wycliffe. SIL is mainly concerned with linguistics. I have been told that nowadays they do not do Bible translation, but mainly train linguists and translators, but I can't confirm that.

They also do extensive linguistic surveys around the world. At our institution we are hoping to someday produce a NT in the Beba language of Africa, where we support a church planting movement. I've been there with one of our students, who did preliminary research for our effort. You can check out the SIL Beba survey here: Rapid appraisal sociolinguistic survey of Beba. Just click on the PDF at the bottom of the page.

For training, they support degrees in linguistics at various places. A friend is working on her thesis for an MA in linguistics with SIL at the U. of North Dakota. I'm impressed with the education she is getting and the support she gets from the profs and advisors.

I have just one caveat here. SIL is following in the tradition of Eugene Nida, who made linguistic knowledge very important for translators. Granted, linguistic skill is vital especially for a pioneer work in an unwritten language. But I believe equal time should be given to translation studies, a field which has grown exponentially in the past 30 years. If you'll look at their "Translation Specialist" degree, you'll see no Greek or Hebrew courses, and no theology, but mainly linguistics with one course on "Translation Principles, Theory and Practice."

Hello Good Friend,

You might want to know my recent experience with Wycliffe. I called them two summers ago and told them of my pending retirement and asked it they might need a retired religion/communications professor to do some writing or editing or such as a volunteer? They offered to put me up in their mission's housing in Orlando. So I went and spent the best part of a week with them and proceeded through a bit of orientation. I did some writing. I did some editing. It was more of less an extended interview.

When I came back home, the visit was about this time last year, they thought they had a place that might fit my skill set. They had in mind to do or to help with the bio of one of their recently deceased presidents. But alas and alack there was not a fit for what I can write or what they needed. Or they have not worked out all of the details with the family as to what they wanted written and how they wanted it written. Anyway, it was not a good fit for either of us.

But, the trip to Orlando was not a total loss. This is where I first learned of the SIL you mentioned. Wycliffe's HQ is just across the way from the CRU International HQ. I got to go through it and to see the operation of "how" the Jesus Film was made. VERY VERY impressive indeed! Anyway I just dropped in to see what condition my condition was in!! and to say hello.

I learned a great deal and cannot think poorly of the two years of my life I spent "interviewing" with Wycliffe. It was a pleasure for sure and I am thankful for it.

sdg!

rd

PS That past Wycliffe president that died recently and for whom we were going to write the bio was George Cowan.

 

[agedman]

Wycliffe also has a office / teaching off Camp Wisdom road in Dallas, TX.

I think they are part of this group: GIAL - Graduate Institute of Applied Linguistics

Next time I'm in the Dallas area, I'll attempt to swing by and enquire.

Years ago, there was a young missionary to the South Asia who trained with Wycliffe at their Dallas location.

I've lost track of this lady, but she was dedicated believer who longed get the Scriptures into the people's own language.

 

[John of Japan]

Hello JoJ,

Do you know of a school or a person that is suppose to translate the memories of their famous grandfather into a written work or book for posterity's sake? LOL!!!

rd

Har, har, Rhet, you've got me! Seriously, this is the last week of the grad class I am taking, and then I'll be able to get back to my book. Thanks for the encouragement.

This summer there is going to be a Will Rice family reunion. Will was the father of the three Rice evangelists, John R., Bill, and Joe (who died in the 1950's). I hope to interview my aunts at that time, and possibly get into the BJU Archives (if they'll let me). That will finish off my research, and I plan to finish the book in the summer.

 

[John of Japan]

Hello Good Friend,

You might want to know my recent experience with Wycliffe. I called them two summers ago and told them of my pending retirement and asked it they might need a retired religion/communications professor to do some writing or editing or such as a volunteer? They offered to put me up in their mission's housing in Orlando. So I went and spent the best part of a week with them and proceeded through a bit of orientation. I did some writing. I did some editing. It was more of less an extended interview.

When I came back home, the visit was about this time last year, they thought they had a place that might fit my skill set. They had in mind to do or to help with the bio of one of their recently deceased presidents. But alas and alack there was not a fit for what I can write or what they needed. Or they have not worked out all of the details with the family as to what they wanted written and how they wanted it written. Anyway, it was not a good fit for either of us.

But, the trip to Orlando was not a total loss. This is where I first learned of the SIL you mentioned. Wycliffe's HQ is just across the way from the CRU International HQ. I got to go through it and to see the operation of "how" the Jesus Film was made. VERY VERY impressive indeed! Anyway I just dropped in to see what condition my condition was in!! and to say hello.

I learned a great deal and cannot think poorly of the two years of my life I spent "interviewing" with Wycliffe. It was a pleasure for sure and I am thankful for it.

sdg!

rd

PS That past Wycliffe president that died recently and for whom we were going to write the bio was George Cowan.

Thanks for this post. Wycliffe has a huge presence on the missionary Bible translation scene. Their missionaries have done wonderful work over the years. While I disagree with what I have heard is their policy of simply doing translation work and not church planting, no one can deny the great good for Christ they have done.

I was recently talking with my colleague working on an SIL degree. She shared with me how in Muslim countries, Muslims are approaching Wycliffe/SIL personnel (there is much overlap) asking about Christ, who they may have read about in the translated NT, or even seen in a dream.

 

[Rhetorician]

Thanks for this post. Wycliffe has a huge presence on the missionary Bible translation scene. Their missionaries have done wonderful work over the years. While I disagree with what I have heard is their policy of simply doing translation work and not church planting, no one can deny the great good for Christ they have done.

I was recently talking with my colleague working on an SIL degree. She shared with me how in Muslim countries, Muslims are approaching Wycliffe/SIL personnel (there is much overlap) asking about Christ, who they may have read about in the translated NT, or even seen in a dream.

JoJ,

Just an aside: The way the process works, philosophy of ministry for lack of another word, is that they do the primary work of translation. Then one of the nationals who can read the translation in their "heart language" reads the work, whatever is the first document to be done is--one of the Gospels perhaps. The Holy Spirit does His work. He or she is converted. Then others are converted by that one who witnesses to the Gospel in their life. Then God, again by the Holy Ghost, raises up a leader obviously by the Word and the Spirit and a church begins. All this without any American money or influence. Missions could not be done better. IMHO!

But we must continuously pray the Lord of the harvest to cast out His workers into His harvest that is already white to be harvested.

sdg!

rd

 

[John of Japan]

JoJ,

Just an aside: The way the process works, philosophy of ministry for lack of another word, is that they do the primary work of translation. Then one of the nationals who can read the translation in their "heart language" reads the work, whatever is the first document to be done is--one of the Gospels perhaps. The Holy Spirit does His work. He or she is converted. Then others are converted by that one who witnesses to the Gospel in their life. Then God, again by the Holy Ghost, raises up a leader obviously by the Word and the Spirit and a church begins. All this without any American money or influence. Missions could not be done better. IMHO!

I disagree with that missiology. Two different knowledgeable sources have told me that there are Wycliffe translated Bibles sitting in warehouses in various places, unused. But this is not a missiology thread per se, so I'll not pursue that line.

But we must continuously pray the Lord of the harvest to cast out His workers into His harvest that is already white to be harvested.

sdg!

Amen to that, certainly.

rd

 

[agedman]

I disagree with that missiology. Two different knowledgeable sources have told me that there are Wycliffe translated Bibles sitting in warehouses in various places, unused. But this is not a missiology thread per se, so I'll not pursue that line.

Amen to that, certainly.

rd

John are there not unnumbered warehouses of unused Bibles in many contries?

Is your implied standard valid?

 

[John of Japan]

Wycliffe also has a office / teaching off Camp Wisdom road in Dallas, TX.

I think they are part of this group: GIAL - Graduate Institute of Applied Linguistics

Next time I'm in the Dallas area, I'll attempt to swing by and enquire.

Years ago, there was a young missionary to the South Asia who trained with Wycliffe at their Dallas location.

I've lost track of this lady, but she was dedicated believer who longed get the Scriptures into the people's own language.

GIAL has an excellent linguistics program. However, note that there are no degrees offered in Bible translation per se. On the other hand, I think it is great that they are partnering with various other institutions in that area.

One in particular I have looked at is the Southwestern BTS program, which cooperates with GIAL. You can get an M.Div. with a concentration in Bible translation, or an M.A. in Applied Linguistics. See the web page here: Master of Divinity in Missions and Bible Translation - The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

Both of these programs are heavy in linguistics from GIAL, but also have good Hebrew and Greek content, and also Bible translation specific courses. I'd say that either of these degrees would prepare a Bible translator well.

 

[John of Japan]

John are there not unnumbered warehouses of unused Bibles in many contries?

Is your implied standard valid?

I'm not sure what you mean by my "implied standard." What I have been told is that there are translations sitting in warehouses which have never reached their intended people groups.

One of our pastors here sat on a plane a year or two ago with a man (not with Wycliffe) who said his ministry was to get those translations out of the warehouses and into the hands of their intended people group.

If (I say "if") Wycliffe no longer even distributes their translated Bibles, much less does evangelism, the purpose of the translation is not fulfilled.

Here is a quote from Cameron Townsend himself concerning the Wycliffe policy on evangelism: "We have purposefully restricted ourselves to translating the Bible.... If we pass out tracts, hold meetings, and do other things regular missionaries do, the door could be closed in our faces. I'm all for witnessing in their mother tongue as friend to friend. But let's do it by inviting neighbors into our homes, visiting them, and building friendships." (Uncle Cam, by James and Marti Hefley, pp. 169-170).

I do not know if Wycliffe has a policy prohibiting direct evangelism per se, but this is a telling quote from their founder.

 

[agedman]

I'm not sure what you mean by my "implied standard." What I have been told is that there are translations sitting in warehouses which have never reached their intended people groups.

One of our pastors here sat on a plane a year or two ago with a man (not with Wycliffe) who said his ministry was to get those translations out of the warehouses and into the hands of their intended people group.

If (I say "if") Wycliffe no longer even distributes their translated Bibles, much less does evangelism, the purpose of the translation is not fulfilled.

Here is a quote from Cameron Townsend himself concerning the Wycliffe policy on evangelism: "We have purposefully restricted ourselves to translating the Bible.... If we pass out tracts, hold meetings, and do other things regular missionaries do, the door could be closed in our faces. I'm all for witnessing in their mother tongue as friend to friend. But let's do it by inviting neighbors into our homes, visiting them, and building friendships." (Uncle Cam, by James and Marti Hefley, pp. 169-170).

I do not know if Wycliffe has a policy prohibiting direct evangelism per se, but this is a telling quote from their founder.

agreed.

And it is troubling that any Scriptures remain warehoused no matter the language.

Perhaps they need the aid of distribution resources?

Of course there are restrictions on which countries have given permission for the Scripture to enter them, and perhaps the warehouses are filled with those Bibles waiting for the moments the distribution can go forward.

But, if all Wycliffe does is translate and print, they really are not much more then any other printer, and they don't really function as true missionaries.

Does the Scriptures indicate that such an endeavor should be supported by churches?

I suppose that it would be permissible. I'll have to think on that.

 

[John of Japan]

agreed.

And it is troubling that any Scriptures remain warehoused no matter the language.

Perhaps they need the aid of distribution resources?

Of course there are restrictions on which countries have given permission for the Scripture to enter them, and perhaps the warehouses are filled with those Bibles waiting for the moments the distribution can go forward.

But, if all Wycliffe does is translate and print, they really are not much more then any other printer, and they don't really function as true missionaries.

Does the Scriptures indicate that such an endeavor should be supported by churches?

I suppose that it would be permissible. I'll have to think on that.

I don't want to minimize what Wycliffe has done in the past. Many languages now have at least a portion of the Bible, often the entire NT or Bible because of Wycliffe. This puts us Baptists to shame. Many of the early translations were done by Baptists: Carey, Judson, Nathan Brown in Japan, and others. However, in the past 100 years or so, Baptists have failed in the area of missionary Bible translation (with some notable exceptions). Instead, we fuss and argue about the English, while 1600 languages have not Bible and not even a current effort to translate one.

 

[agedman]

I don't want to minimize what Wycliffe has done in the past. Many languages now have at least a portion of the Bible, often the entire NT or Bible because of Wycliffe. This puts us Baptists to shame. Many of the early translations were done by Baptists: Carey, Judson, Nathan Brown in Japan, and others. However, in the past 100 years or so, Baptists have failed in the area of missionary Bible translation (with some notable exceptions). Instead, we fuss and argue about the English, while 1600 languages have not Bible and not even a current effort to translate one.

You are so very correct!!!!!

In the past, the missionary zeal brought personal sacrifice that missionaries were sent, that Scriptures were translated, and that has been lost in the modern church.

As I have watched modernism move from a battle over the pulpit to what excites the emotions in the music, I have also seen less and less international much less even local evangelism concerns.

Where when as a youth we engaged in protracted meetings to stir the community as to the claims of Christ, now most do not have even a visiting preacher.

Your grandfather was grieved by the decline he witnessed in his day.

My what a cliff of nothing the typical assembly engages in UNLESS it is their "programed giving" that is more traditional oriented than of the impress of the individual heart.

You have certainly posted a truth that you apply to Bible translation work, but is seen throughout the whole of the US churches in the ho-hum toward all mission work from local to international.

 

[John of Japan]

You are so very correct!!!!!

In the past, the missionary zeal brought personal sacrifice that missionaries were sent, that Scriptures were translated, and that has been lost in the modern church.

As I have watched modernism move from a battle over the pulpit to what excites the emotions in the music, I have also seen less and less international much less even local evangelism concerns.

Where when as a youth we engaged in protracted meetings to stir the community as to the claims of Christ, now most do not have even a visiting preacher.

Your grandfather was grieved by the decline he witnessed in his day.

My what a cliff of nothing the typical assembly engages in UNLESS it is their "programed giving" that is more traditional oriented than of the impress of the individual heart.

You have certainly posted a truth that you apply to Bible translation work, but is seen throughout the whole of the US churches in the ho-hum toward all mission work from local to international.

The evangelical missionary force has been declining numerically for years. However, until recently I was able to say that the ind. Baptist movement was the bright spot, not declining in that way. However, we hear from my old mission board that our little college is supplying most of the missionary candidates, and the other main schools have very few missions grads nowadays.

To some degree the candidates in our movement have shifted to small, local church sending agencies. However, over all it is safe to say that the number of missionary candidates is now decreasing among ind. Baptists.

 

[agedman]

The evangelical missionary force has been declining numerically for years. However, until recently I was able to say that the ind. Baptist movement was the bright spot, not declining in that way. However, we hear from my old mission board that our little college is supplying most of the missionary candidates, and the other main schools have very few missions grads nowadays.

To some degree the candidates in our movement have shifted to small, local church sending agencies. However, over all it is safe to say that the number of missionary candidates is now decreasing among ind. Baptists.

I attribute the decline to the lack of earnest seeking of God's will in the youth of the churches. Rather, they are content with programs, and pleasures, being entertained, and entertaining.

Where in the long past, there were rooms for inquiry and pastors often sought as advisors, there is the internet to fill such desires and alter calls based upon emotional appeal.

Distraction is that playground of the which the Holy Spirit leading is placed in lowest priority.

 

[OnlyaSinner]

I don't want to minimize what Wycliffe has done in the past. Many languages now have at least a portion of the Bible, often the entire NT or Bible because of Wycliffe. This puts us Baptists to shame. Many of the early translations were done by Baptists: Carey, Judson, Nathan Brown in Japan, and others. However, in the past 100 years or so, Baptists have failed in the area of missionary Bible translation (with some notable exceptions). Instead, we fuss and argue about the English, while 1600 languages have not Bible and not even a current effort to translate one.

Would you count this group as one of the exceptions?
www.biblesint.org.
Our church has had the privilege of helping to support a wonderful couple serving with BI - he was called home to glory last August, taking his Greek expertise, while she continues to apply her knowledge of Hebrew to OT translation (and we continue that support.) His obit mentioned translating 21 languages in 14 countries (mainly in SA and south Asia), and getting copies to the people has always been a priority.

 

[John of Japan]

Would you count this group as one of the exceptions?
www.biblesint.org.
Our church has had the privilege of helping to support a wonderful couple serving with BI - he was called home to glory last August, taking his Greek expertise, while she continues to apply her knowledge of Hebrew to OT translation (and we continue that support.) His obit mentioned translating 21 languages in 14 countries (mainly in SA and south Asia), and getting copies to the people has always been a priority.

I have great respect for the translation consultants of BI, and have met a couple of them. I'll be hearing lectures by another at a translation meeting this summer. As to whether or not their missionary force is growing, I don't know. Since they are in a specialized niche that takes specialized learning (Greek and Hebrew), there are not that many candidates who can do their ministry.

As for a comparison to the Wycliffe translators, I put the BI folk a step above, since they do insist on working from the original languages, while many Wycliffe translations are double translations from an English version.