Online Translation Training Resources

Over the past few weeks, I've been exploring training resources for Bible translation that are available online. Here's a summary of resources that I've found so far - please do add other ideas of useful sites into the comments:

• The Seed Company ‘Field Technology’ site has a lot of training videos on different tools (Paratext, Render, HearThis…). It also has excellent video materials from Stephen Payne for a couple of workshops: a 3-week training for translators workshop that includes sessions on all foundational topics; and a transitioning to epistles workshop.

• The UBS page of resources for translators and consultants points to training for Paratext and to the Translation Insights and Perspectives database which is full of helpful snippets. The MAP site (this site) offers access to announcements and discussions amongst a vibrant interagency Bible Translation community.

• EMDC online has both individual classes, and recurring communities of practice (including those for exegetes / advisors, and one focused on Bible Translation training and development). You can either join live sessions or search the archives for relevant content. 

• The websites for Aleph with Beth and Alpha with Angela offer a growing ecosystem for learning biblical languages for free, including videos, grammars, interactive quizzes, dictionaries and other resources.

• The Digital Training Library being developed by Biblica and Fuller has online certificates related to Bible Translation, beginning with ‘Foundations in Bible Translation’. They are available initially in English, French, Spanish, Hindi and Indonesian. The first few modules are free, and while the rest have a cost, there are scholarships available.

• SIL has videos about using Logos Translator’s Workplace well.

• SIL International Media Services has a set of Bible Background videos (compiled from the UBS Bible Lands as Classroom DVDs) that can be used as is, or translated into local languages.

• UnfoldingWord has open-licensed Bible translation training manuals and videos as part of their ‘Translation Academy’.

• The Bible Project has a wealth of professionally produced videos on Bible book overviews, biblical themes and word studies.