Translators have many tools to aide with doing Bible Translation. One of those tools is called Adapt It. Adapt It is a computer program that helps translate texts between related languages.

In the Misaje cluster there are six languages using an adaption that was generated from the Nooni language using Adapt It to give the translators the first draft to work with.

To begin the work on the various languages they do a back draft, translating the first draft language back into the language of wider communication. In Cameroon these wider languages of communication can be either French or English depending on which part of the country. The following are back drafts from Nooni and Kemedzung.

Acts 16:40

English – After Paul and Silas came out of the prison, they went to Lydia’s house, where they met with the brothers and encouraged them. They then left.

Nooni – Paul with Silas went out from in that house of slavery and went Lydia’s house, people of belief were there, they taught them, and then left from there.

Who does they refer to? In English we quickly see that it refers to Paul and Silas, but in Kemedzung they would refer to the last person mentioned so that would be the people of Lydia’s house. So if they were not more specific than just “they”, the translation would not be accurate or clear to Kemedzung speakers.

Kemedzung – Paul with Silas went out from in that house of slavery and went Lydia’s house, people of belief were there, Paul with Silas taught them, and then left from there.

So, is Bible Translation rocket science? I don’t know for sure not having studied rocket science or Bible Translation but I do know that the road to transformed lives takes the Holy Spirit working through many people.

Thank you to all the translators who have helped me to better understand the challenges that you face every day.

This video shows the Road to Transformation and translation is only one part along the journey.