Our Changing World (part 1)

Changing Translation Models for our Changing World

How Bible translation is accomplished continues to be improved as new technologies, better research and updated methodologies are implemented.  John’s work with language projects is based on what Wycliffe is calling the "Common Framework" model, which is currently accepted across the major organizations doing Bible translation, transforming the way projects are planned and launched.   Two of the most basic ideas of this model are ownership by the most local expression of the church (the one we’ll write about this month), and accelerated impact based on the sharing of Scripture portions packaged in easily accessible forms (which we’ll write about at a later date).
When Wycliffe started in 1942, most translation projects were for isolated people groups with little education and knowledge of the outside world. The first task for many of our early translators was to convince people that they needed God’s Word (usually a New Testament).  As a result, sometimes we were more the owners of the project than were the local communities.

Fast forward to 2017: our world has changed to the point where language communities are interconnected, and many people groups are prepared to own their own translation projects if they get just a little encouragement.  Communities that own their projects will be more enthusiastic and more likely to use the resulting Scriptures. This is all good news for the many movements around the world, but it also requires a different way of working and relating.

The projects that John is helping start and monitoring in Nigeria are good examples of the newer methodologies.  In one such project, the local community came together to discuss their desire for more scripture in their language beyond the New Testament which they currently have. They eventually want the entire Old Testament, but for now they have decided to start with these priorities for Scripture translation:

• Genesis - as it answers basic questions about creation, sin and the need for redemption and salvation.
• Ruth – which appeals to and honors women and is a readily understandable story that will be good for new readers.  It is also culturally appropriate and is a key reference to the history of the ancestry of the Messiah.
• Malachi - which addresses problems that are very relevant to their traditional society and talks about sincere love and giving to God as well as God's love for his people.  It also talks about hypocrisy and unfaithfulness among church leaders and others who claim to be God's people and contains messages of justice, judgment, hope, and prophesies of the coming messenger.

In a future update we’ll talk about how projects plan for accelerated impact and what that actually looks like.  We continue to be excited as together John and the local communities learn and apply these principles which help them take ownership and experience quicker impact in Bible translation. 

Much of what you read above was adapted from an article written by
the CEO of Wycliffe Bible Translators, Bob Creason, in May 2017