Bible Translation Projects Preserve Endangered Languages
“Bible translation is transformative for a language"
-linguist K. David Harrison
We are involved in Bible translation because it transforms spiritual lives. Yes, but also because it transforms holistic lives, families, churches, and communities. This year has been declared the international year of indigenous languages by the United Nations... which highlights in part, how Bible translation by it's very nature involves language development and helps preserve endangered languages. Alphabets are created, languages are written down for the first time. Languages are recorded on audio and video for the first time. Languages are esteemed for the first time... and in many cases people feel esteemed for the first time as they hear God speak their language... this list could go on and on.
According to an article in Christianity Today
Even if Christians are able to understand another language, there are significant benefits to hearing the gospel in one’s mother tongue. It makes it easier to grasp theological concepts and builds a deeper emotional connection to the message.
But over the past several decades, these heart language translations haven’t only changed how Christians from various cultural backgrounds approach their faith; they have also affected how believers view their familial language.
“As they begin to read the Bible in their own language, pray in their own language, and worship in their own language, they realize, ‘Wait, if I can do these things, maybe I could do even more,’” said Andy Keener, executive vice president for global partnerships at Wycliffe Bible Translators.
Your Language Matters!
video link: https://youtu.be/lp-1ruEJnyg
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