OCTOBER 2024 Translation News

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Oct 2024 Translation News

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International Translation Services (ITS)

International Translation Services (ITS) works in collaboration with colleagues in SIL and other agencies to creatively steward and advance the translation practices, tools, methods, and training necessary to enable a supportive environment for individuals and communities to flourish and engage with Scripture. We value: Interconnectedness. Capacity Building. Diversity. Innovation.

October 2024 Language Assessment and Sustaining a Vision for Flourishing Communities - Greg Dekker SIL and Church Conference (SCC24) - Phil King New Translation Consultant - Peter Knapp Interviews with Translation Consultants Katy Barnwell (Africa & Global) Drew Maust (Africa) News Africa Translation Consultant Training Report - Jonathan van den Broek Asia Translation Consultant Development Workshop Report - Angie Seow Discourse Analysis and Bible Translation - Stephen Levinsohn Memoriam Dr. Fabian Dapila (1958-2024) Ghana Dalmas Binwag (1954-2024) Philippines Coming Events Narrative Discourse Analysis for Translation (Oct 2024) Kenya Narrative Discourse Analysis for Translation (May 2025) Cameroon (French) ICON-25 (May 2025) Johannesburg, South Africa EMDC (May 2025) The Netherlands Narrative Discourse Analysis for Translation (Sep 2025) Tanzania BT Conference 25 (Oct 2025) Thailand

Useful Links SIL Translation Services International Leadership Team Area Translation Coordinators

Language Assessment and Sustaining a Vision for Flourishing Communities

• Greg Dekker - International Translation Services

Director My first visit to Penang, Malaysia some 17 years ago was to a gathering of leaders and language program managers who came together to consider how to encourage, develop, and manage Scripture Impact initiatives and programs. My second visit maybe 8-10 years ago was for a gathering of leaders discussing progress on program development and management in Asia. My visit this year to the International Language Assessment Conference-8 brought together aspects of both of my previous trips to Penang, and integrated many of the other areas of SIL’s engagements with language communities worldwide: assessing for language program starts and planning, managing programs, and integrating for impact the various contributions SIL makes in collaborative programs, contributions which are intended to bring about spiritual transformation and flourishing in communities worldwide through language-based interventions. SIL’s Executive Director, Dr. Michel Kenmogne, opened ILAC-8 with a case study from Cameroon which illustrates SIL’s vision for flourishing communities. The Ngiemboon program was presented as a model for what an SIL language program should aspire to. The program demonstrates in the first phase SIL’s desire to establish a linguistic foundation upon which other language-based work, including Bible translation and literacy programs, can be built. It further demonstrates what Michel describes as a period of community involvement and growth in the second phase. During this time, under the auspices of Cameroon Association for Bible Translation and Literacy (CABTAL), and with the technical support of SIL Cameroon, vision building for community ownership and language work was begun, the New Testament was translated, and a vibrant literacy program was begun which covered the entire language area. During what Michel describes as the third phase of local sustainability and thriving in the program, the local community, with financial assistance from both the local community and a diaspora community in Germany, undertook to translate the Old Testament and further develop the literacy program to include functional skills teaching in beekeeping, animal husbandry, agricultural techniques and several other areas of development. The Old Testament translation is currently being proofread for typesetting! Michel emphasized in his presentation that the Ngiemboon program was not time-bound but multigenerational, holistic in scope, involved many different stakeholders, including especially the local community through various committees, and considered community needs and aspirations in its outcomes and activities. In Michel’s words, “...it is clear that a language program that aims for success and long-term impact must not be concerned solely with linguistic or biblical products. It must strategically and intentionally plan to further a positive environment that allows the fruitfulness of the investments and the sustainability of the impacts that are achieved. Minority languages are known to be under-resourced, lacking the infrastructure that promotes their ongoing viability and vitality. Therefore, any language programme that does not take into account these realities of the general context of the minority language will be condemned to having a superficial and ephemeral impact.” Michel included in his presentation a word about the impact that Vision 2025 has had on the Bible translation movement. Vision 2025, Michel states, has been the main catalyst for significant changes that we have observed in the Bible translation movement over the last 20 years. Michel describes three stages of SIL’s response to the Vision: a period of focus on big initiatives which aimed at starting new programs through language surveys, platforms for partnership, capacity building and similar strategies. Stage two Michel describes as a period of sustaining in which SIL committed ourselves to “building relationships, vision, and capacity for the growth of a sustainable, locally driven movement for Bible translation and language development.” In the third stage, Michel states that SIL is committed to lasting impact through a range of activities and engagements. I came away from ILAC-8 encouraged: encouraged by what God has done, the incredible increase in partnership that exists in the Bible translation community, and the lasting impact that has been achieved and the potential that exists for greater impact still to come.

SIL and Church Conference (SCC24)

• Phil King Being ‘connected to the church’ is one of the three core strands of SIL’s current global plan. A few weeks ago I participated in the first ‘SIL and Church Conference’ in Oxford, aiming to move this vision into action. The group included SIL leaders from both local and global units, and speakers from external organisations. As well as hearing inspiring thoughts from Kirk Franklin, Harvey Kwiyani and others, we spent each day in small groups developing pilot projects to strengthen relationships with the church in different areas of the world. I was assigned to a group working with the Vanuatu director to think about how SIL could serve the Vanuatu Christian Council church leaders with their expressed desire to build ‘strong, healthy, growing churches founded on the Word of God’, and we talked a lot about possibilities around oral Bible storying, and ways it could be integrated into the churches’ youth programmes. A repeated theme of the week was making sure we listen well. Sometimes a church has approached SIL with a request that we’ve turned down because it’s not really ‘what we do’. We were challenged during the week to listen better to the question behind the question, and to think creatively about what we can offer. Alongside this was an emphasis on relationship and mutuality, with the messiness and humility that entails. Even words like ‘church engagement’ can suggest a transactional approach where we seek to talk with the church about what we can do for them or they for us. What would be better words to think about how we can humbly and generously walk together in mutual relationship? See my AI art attempt as I tried to synthesise some of the presentations. Our language can also create a barrier when working with churches. If we’re talking about ‘Scripture engagement’ and the churches are focused on ‘discipleship’ and ‘evangelism’, we can miss the common goals that might be shared. How do we talk better in a language that churches relate to? I came away with plenty to think about! I was also so encouraged by all the materials that SIL and the church have collected and made available to help SIL staff think about their connections with the church, including stories, videos, resources, communities of practice and the ‘Practical Guide’ on Connected to the Church. If you have an SIL email address, you can access all of this on the ‘connecting with the church’ website.

New Translation Consultant Peter Knapp - Pacific Congratulations to Peter Knapp (SIL Pacific Group) on completing all the requirements for certification as a Translation Consultant, under the guidance of his supervising mentor, Paulus Kieviet. Peter was approved as a translation consultant by the Pacific Area Consultant Accreditation Committee. Peter joined Wycliffe Germany with a background of theology. He and his wife Robin (Wycliffe USA) started their active ministry in Bible translation in 1994, after they earned their Masters degrees in linguistics from UT Arlington. They first served in Russia where they assisted in the translation of the NT for the Khakas people. In 2011, they took on a new assignment with the Pacific Group on Guam where Peter has been teaching courses in linguistics at Pacific Islands University, assisting in the Mwoakilloa (Mokilese) translation project and taking on some administrative and training tasks for the other projects in Micronesia. Getting trained and certified as a consultant has been on his horizon for a long time (he took his first consultant training workshop in the fall of 2001, but prioritized other needs in between). When the TCDW workshop was offered online in 2021, he gladly took the opportunity. After completing additional supervised checking sessions, and the competencies in CBC, he finished the requirements. Peter is looking forward to continuing to use his skills among the languages of Micronesia and others as God leads.

Interviews with Translation Consultants We asked experienced Translation Consultants, Katy Barnwell and Drew Maust, to share their thoughts concerning their work and philosophy of ministry. SIL consultants have been a key organizational resource over the years, equipping and encouraging others to academic and professional excellence while providing much needed leadership and service to our own staff and many partner organizations.

Katy Barnwell - Africa & Global How did you get interested in Bible translation? Several factors: I had been given a “modern translation” (NIV) when I was confirmed. Then when I was at university, I discovered the value of studying the Bible in depth. One day we had a speaker from Wycliffe Bible Translators at a Christian Union meeting – I heard about the number of unwritten languages there are worldwide, and the need for translations, and I immediately felt “this is for me”. I was already doing a course that included some linguistics – I then took the Wycliffe summer training course (at Horsleys Green) at the first opportunity, and went on from there. I am convinced that the Lord has a plan for each of our lives, specific tasks for each of us to do. He guides us through circumstances, and personal contacts. We need to learn to listen! What gets you excited when you work with others in Bible translation? Seeing how people with different knowledge and skills can work together to achieve the best results, especially working cross-culturally. What is your consulting philosophy? Keep listening, share your insights and skills – train others, listen and learn from others all the time. Acknowledge your own weak areas and show a desire to learn. Keep going when there are difficulties. Appreciate your colleagues. Tell them how you appreciate them. What translation resources do you really value? The original language text (Hebrew, biblical Greek) with interlinear when needed. Translator’s Notes, now available in Paratext as TNN (now for OT as well as NT). The UBS handbooks and the commentaries on individual books. TIPs (Translation Insights & Perspectives), the United Bible Societies online resource, under development; it shares insights and possible solutions on specific translation issues or passages. How do you continue to grow as a consultant? (What helps you continue to grow as a consultant?) (a) Trying to develop my knowledge of the original languages. In the 1960s, the emphasis was on developing knowledge and skills in linguistics (including phonetics, phonology, grammar, discourse studies, et al) and this, of course, is still essential. I voluntarily took courses in Greek (London Bible College correspondence courses, and evening classes). But the focus then (1960s) was on preparing for New Testament translation – it was only much later that projects began to include Old Testament translation in their goals. So, when the Mbembe project began to include Old Testament translation (initially Genesis and Psalms) I found an urgent need to study Hebrew. Happily, there are some very good correspondence and online courses available now. The Jerusalem Center for Bible Translators continues to offer excellent courses for trainee translation consultants. (b) Following online interaction (BT list) on specific topics that are raised – consultants contributing – raising questions for discussion, sharing insights, suggesting solutions. (c) Participating in conferences – global or regional – when possible. Funding is needed for this, especially for consultants who are not also in an administrative role. (d) Realizing my need to develop technical (computer) skills – using new programs. Younger people learn these skills as they grow up – older people, like me, need to make an effort to learn, identifying skilled colleagues who can give time and patience to help! How do you share your translation discoveries with others? There is a good option in Paratext for recording consultant notes, especially notes on topics that may be explored in more depth as further relevant examples come up in the same language, and on topics that may well be relevant for other language projects too. I regret that I have not kept filling this in – it is rather time consuming. I would encourage consultants to fill this in as they go – not, of course, recording every comment, but those that may well be applicable/helpful for translations in other languages. Can you share about a time when you realized you were wrong and what you learned from it? My apologies – I am ashamed to say, I don’t have a specific example to share. But there have certainly been times when I have realized that my suggestion did not meet the need and indeed may have been misleading, showing that it is essential to do more research, and gather insights from colleagues (translators, mentees) in order to solve a problem. What are your top tips for someone starting on a career path in Bible translation? What would you say to young / aspiring translators? Know that you are starting on a life-long learning experience. You will be blessed in your own spirit as you study and share God’s Word, and you will be used by the Lord as you share that blessing with others. Know that there will be difficulties and challenges ahead, but we will experience, as the apostle Paul did, that the love of God will sustain you, resulting in perseverance and endurance. Romans 5:3-5, James 1:2-7. Give time to studying the original biblical languages, keep referring constantly to the original text. Look at the big picture, the whole discourse, as well as the details. The need to look at the big picture, the whole discourse as well as the details, applies both to the study of the original language text and to the translation. In the receptor language, record texts of different genres - e.g., narrative, conversation, poetry/song - and study the discourse structure. Share something that you learned from a mentor or from a mentee? On one occasion, there was a plan to work on checking some translations at the national translation centre. The translators were already at that centre, following on a course in which they had been involved there. The mentee, however, said he preferred to go to the language area and participate in checking sessions to be held in that area. This made it possible to involve more speakers of the receptor language in the checking sessions than would have been possible if checking were done at the national centre. It also made It possible to observe how the translations were being used in the area. The mentee’s concern was well founded. From him I learned the principle that translation checking should be done in the area where the language is spoken, whenever possible. Where that is not possible, there needs to be a compensatory involvement of other speakers, besides the translators, and observation of the use of the translation. What do you see as the place of the church in Bible translation? Wherever there are already communities of believers in the receptor language area, it is a top priority that the church should be deeply involved in the translation project – in planning the project, setting short and long term goals, in sharing in funding the project, and in evaluating and checking translations, also in printing and/or recording the Scriptures, and in distribution – and then gathering feedback. If there is more than one denomination, all should be involved. Consider the value of having a translation committee, with chairman and leaders. See the booklet On planning a translation project, designed to share essential information with local leaders.

Drew Maust - Africa How did you get interested in Bible translation? My interest in Bible translation grew out of my love for dictionaries. In my school years, I enjoyed keeping a copy of the latest Pocket Oxford English Dictionary in my backpack. Around the same time, I fell in love with reading the Scriptures thanks to a vibrant youth group and the example of my extended family. So, I imagine that my interest in language coupled with a love for the Bible happily gave birth to a passion for Bible translation. What gets you excited when you work with others in Bible translation? When we collaborate with translating communities, we experience the grace of God. Theologian Geerhardus Vos talks about a means of grace as anything that 1) moves us to God’s Word and 2) moves us to apply God’s Word. What more important method for applying God’s Word is there than rendering it accessible in language that gracefully enters the mind, moves the heart, and edifies the soul? Being a part of this process excites me because God is pleased to use a wide range of instruments to communicate his goodness to us. What is your consulting philosophy? In several articles, I have compared my work as a translation consultant to that of a sous-chef, that is, not the head chef but an assistant chef who contributes to a kitchen bustling with diverse activities. This analogy continues to serve as a helpful heuristic, or rule of thumb, as I participate in conversations, both at the translation table and in wider BT circles, about quality and agency. I am helping to prepare a meal that is not primarily intended for me. What translation resources do you really value? The resources that I value most are ones that are up-to-date, balanced, reputable, and engage the source text closely. I try to avoid resources that appear sectarian or reflect shoddy scholarship—I produce enough of that on my own! I appreciate a diversity of perspectives and strive to remain open to new ways of reading Scripture. How do you continue to grow as a consultant? (What helps you continue to grow as a consultant?) I most sense growth as a consultant when I broaden my horizons. I am so limited and feel as if I have been playing catch up my entire life, so I make a concerted effort to read widely in biblical studies, theology, and translation studies and talk it through with friends and colleagues. There is also no denying the growth opportunity ever present in making mistakes. How do you share your translation discoveries with others? It is a real privilege to author articles, participate in BT discussions through MAP, the BT Lists, X (Twitter), serve as assistant editor of the Journal of Translation, and attend conferences. When invited to preach at church, the knowledge and experience that I have gained through consulting speaks into my exploration and application of the Scripture with God’s people. Can you share about a time when you realized you were wrong and what you learned from it? Increasingly aware of my own situatedness and limits, on several occasions I have had to repent of taking for granted my understanding of the source or target language. It is a humbling experience to study technical commentaries equipping oneself with the conclusion that a certain passage is inscrutable only to have longsuffering translators reveal that it already makes perfect sense to them. Such has been the case with avnayim (“stones” Ex 1:16) and virkayim (“knees” Job 3:12). May I always be happy to be informed. What are your top tips for someone starting on a career path in Bible translation? I have found it helpful to think along the lines of “The Five Buckets Principle” as cyclical. For BT work, it is essential to network cross-organizationally while drawing on and contributing to a variety of resources so that we are not getting stuck in an echo chamber. Lastly, keep asking questions. Share something that you learned from a mentor? My mentor, Tony Smith, was always willing to admit when he did not know or understand something. This reminds me to be aware of my own limits while underscoring the importance of humility and collaboration. What do you see as the place of the church in Bible translation? The transmission of the Scriptures belongs to the sacred heritage of the Church. As such, the glocal Church is the primary stakeholder in any translation of the Bible, providing not only a historical legacy and precedent but accountability for this sacred task. For as much as we BT practitioners may consider ourselves “experts,” let us not forget that we are co-heirs of Scripture. What would you say to young/aspiring translators? Avail yourself of the “funds of knowledge” and cultural wealth accumulated by the translating community. Translation is art mingled with science. Any other comments? I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to my family, friends, and churches who continue to “hold the ropes” so that I may serve in the ministry of Bible translation. I also owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to my African brothers and sisters in particular for their forbearing friendship. Thank you!

News Africa Translation Consultant Training Report

• Jonathan van den Broek SC, BTL, DOOR, and SIL sponsored an Africa Translation Consultant Training (AFTRACT 2024), held at the BTL Conference facilities (Ruiru) in Nairobi, Kenya from 20-31 May 2024. Jonathan van den Broek was the workshop coordinator and had 8 facilitators. There were 26 participants from seven organisations, working in at least ten different countries, in written, oral and sign languages. This was the first CiT training workshop for trainee consultants in AngloLusophone Africa since Nigeria (2019) and Ghana (2018). This two-week workshop was then followed by a two-week practicum.

Asia Translation Consultant Development Workshop Report

• Angie Seow The 2024 SIL Asia Translation Consultant Development Workshop (TCDW) was held from 10 June to 19 July, partially on-line and partially in Mae Sai, Thailand. There were 21 CiTs participating, along with 12 teaching staff and 10 supervising consultants. 6 of the 15 SIL trainers were SIL Senior Translation Consultants. The workshop was six weeks long, consisting of four parts: (1) Two weeks of classroom instruction using Zoom recordings, discussions on Zoom, and homework submitted via email. This included one day of optional modules on Oral Bible Translation (OBT). (2) One week of practice finding problems in a back translation of 1 Thessalonians. (3) One week of travel to Thailand and preparation for supervised checking. (4) Two weeks of supervised practice checking with actual translation teams. The 2024 Indonesia TCDW (Lokakarya Pengembangan Konsultan Penerjemahan – LPKP) was held in Tomohon, North Sulawesi, Indonesia from 24 June to 07 July (classroom) and then from 26 August to 06 September (supervised checks). There were 12 CiTs participating, along with 12 teaching staff and 6 supervising consultants.

Discourse Analysis and Bible Translation

• Stephen Levinsohn Discourse Analysis and Bible Translation, a coursebook by Stephen Levinsohn and others is now available in ebook (Kindle) and print format on Amazon.com. The ebook version is currently only $10. The new format makes this tremendously helpful resource much more easily accessible. This coursebook uses simplified language and terminology, to help translators with limited linguistics training and education learn to recognize differences in natural structures of the target and source languages, for both narrative and behavioral genres. Concepts are carefully introduced with illustrative examples from the Old and New Testaments. Questions, exercises and application then effectively engage translation teams and individual translators in how to improve their draft translations and provide reasons for their decisions. These exercises and assignments promote careful thinking, empowering them to confidently present biblical truth in natural and accurate ways in the target language. The coursebook explains and illustrates in simple English the most relevant discourse features for Bible translation in the languages of the world, including differences between the source and target languages that relate to the use of connectors and to constituent order. Where relevant, for example, sections are addressed specifically to speakers of verb-initial, verb-medial and verb-final languages. Topics include the reporting of speech and the preferred positions for speech orienters, motivations for referring to participants and concepts in different ways, the most appropriate ways of exhorting different groups of people, rhetorical questions, conditional clauses and relative clauses. The final module introduces readers to culturally appropriate ways of translating biblical poetry. Even challenging concepts such as background versus foreground and the topic-focus distinction are surprisingly easy to follow yet include enough explanation that there is little chance of misunderstanding. In addition to translators, this coursebook will be of great interest to academics, training institutions and field workers. Even experienced discourse instructors will learn new insights as well as new ways of teaching these concepts. Consultants and advisors assisting translation teams may want to use this coursebook in leading workshops or to integrate instruction in ongoing translation sessions. A variety of users will find it easy to read, deeply informative, and profoundly practical for translation.

Memoriam Dr. Fabian Dapila (1958-2024) Our good friend and colleague, Dr. Fabian Dapila finished his race well last month. A faithful and astute Ghanaian Bible translation consultant, he received a Doctorate (1995) in Old Testament Studies from the University of Ottawa. For over three decades he served in Bible translation, with the Bible Society, with Seed Company, and with many other translation agencies in the region. At the top of his Skype account, he had for a long time: "In a quiet section of the Vineyard of the Lord". Dapila was in the process of moving his residence from Ghana to Canada, where his family lives. He then traveled back to Ghana for translation work and became very sick and died. Some of his family were able to be with him as he entered his Savior’s presence.

Dalmas Binwag (1954-2024) It is with both a heavy heart and a spirit of gratitude that we remember Pastor Dalmas Binwag, a beloved former Wycliffe Philippines Field Operations Director. We celebrate the incredible impact Dalmas had on the ministry, his colleagues, and everyone who knew him. Originally from Hingyon, Ifugao, Pastor Dalmas’ journey with the Northern Philippine Mother Tongue Translators Association (NPMTTA) and Wycliffe Philippines began in the early 2000s, with a passionate heart for God’s Word and His people. His influence in the Bible translation movement was felt far and wide. For many, he was more than just a colleague or a mentor—he was a guide, a friend, and a pillar of strength. He didn’t just serve; he inspired. He was instrumental in many making the decision to dedicate their lives to Bible translation. He had a unique ability to connect with people.

Whether he was sharing a meal of his beloved rice and stir fried black-eyed peas or speaking words of wisdom in a challenging debate, he was always there to uplift and guide those around him. His leadership transcended borders, taking him to places like Malaysia and Bangladesh, where he helped train others in the art of translation, always with a confidence that inspired those who struggled with self-doubt. As a mentor, Pastor Dalmas had a way of seeing greatness in others, even when they couldn’t see it in themselves. His encouragement and support helped so many find their place in the ministry, giving them the courage to rise above challenges. Pastor Dalmas, you have run the race and fought the good fight. We rejoice in knowing that you are now resting in the arms of the Lord, where you have surely heard the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

Coming Events 2024 - 09-29 October. Narrative Discourse Analysis for Translation. Nairobi, Kenya. 2025 - 28 Apr-16 May. Narrative Discourse Analysis for Translation (in French). Cameroon 2025 - 05-13 May. ICON-25: The SIL International Conference & Vision 2025 Celebration. Johannesburg, South Africa. 2025 - 19-22 May. EMDC. The Netherlands 2025 - 10-23 September. Narrative Discourse Analysis for Translation. Tanzania 2025 - 28-31 October. Bible Translation Conference 2025. Chiangmai, Thailand.

Useful Links Bible Translation Consultant Competencies / YouTube channel for BT Competencies SIL Senior Translation Consultants Email the SIL International Translation Office / International Translation Services ILS page Join/visit the SIL Translation Resources Google Group Visit the public SIL.org/Translation site Find Translation Resources (both free download and for purchase) SIL.org/Resources/Publications Bamboo Project website / Journal of Translation Mentoring Matters website - Mentor Training Courses Consultant Development and Management Team Progress.Bible Information / Memoriam website

SIL Translation Services International Leadership Team Greg Dekker - ITS Director Angeline Foo - International Coordinator for Translation Research and Practice Paul O'Rear - International Coordinator for Translation Resources Phil King - International Coordinator for Translation Training and Development Kris Toler - International Coordinator for Oral Translation Services Viji Mathew - Director, Global Consultant Pool Brian Migliazza - ITS Operations and Project Management

Area Translation Coordinators Angeline Foo & Amber Jasa - Asia Greg Carlson - Pacific Drew Maust - Francophone Africa Jonathan van den Broek - Anglo-Lusophone Africa Tim Robinson (interim) - Eurasia Rick Floyd & Dwight Shaver - Americas Bernadet van der Louw - Global Sign Languages Team (GSLT)

Copyright © 2024 SIL International Translation Services. All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because of your interest in translation updates. This newsletter is produced by SIL International Translation Services. Tuula O'Rear and Brian Migliazza are the editors It contains items of interest for translation personnel within SIL and related organizations. It includes notices of upcoming conferences and workshops, announcements of recent dissertations and journal articles, and pointers to useful information related to translation.

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