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.