Why We Don’t Start with Bible Translation
When a new programme starts it’s often tempting to set it up as a Bible translation programme. Sometimes that’s appropriate. In many cases, for a variety of reasons, it’s not. This is because:
- It’s a minority language
- People tend to be bi- or multi-lingual (at least if they live in towns, or have been educated)
- They’re oral preference
- They’re illiterate or semi-literate, or literate only in the language of wider communication
- They aren’t yet Christian believers
- etc.
If any or all of the above are true, then it’s good to start with language development and Scripture engagement rather than full-blown Bible translation, where you translate whole books of the Bible, and aim for a full Bible or New Testament + Psalms or Panoramic Bible. Sometimes the only reason for doing the latter is the kudos of the team, which is not a good reason. We’re aiming for transformed communities, not team kudos!