FLExTrans leverages two software products (Fieldworks Language Explorer and Apertium) to enable precise, rule-based translations between related languages.
Key Characteristics
- Rule-based (not AI)
- Bulk processing
- Linguistically smart
- Leverages related languages
- Translates any text, not just Scripture
In what context is it useful?
- When there are Bible portions translated in one language which can serve as a source text for a linguistically related target language
- Exegesis and style of source is what you want for target
- Large volume of text to translate
Advantages for using FLExTrans in translation
- Translation projects possible where they were once unfeasible
- Drafting goes faster
- Drafts are free from spelling and grammatical errors
- Consultant checking goes faster
- Clusters of languages can translate in parallel efficiently
- Old Testament translation is attainable
- Literacy strengthened through translation of new books
- Dictionary produced
The FLExTrans team has been offering more frequent training opportunities such as the Taste of FLExTrans, a one day workshop, as well as rule-implementation workshops including an in-person workshop this year as part of the Pre-EMDC training track May 13-16, 2026 in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Register here… https://emdcon.org/asia-training-track-descriptions/#FLExT