Faithful Supporters,

This is Part 2 of the Bible translation updates we have been sending out.  For the beginning of the process refer to the last update.  These are the last of the steps that happen before a book of the Bible gets sent to the printer.  These steps represent just the in-office procedure that happens once a person has spent several years learning the tribal language and culture good enough to then be able to represent that language as they translate.  Keep in mind that the translator is usually doing the work right in the the tribe, so all the challenges of jungle living are also present i.e. establishing a power source for electricity, usually solar panels or a generator running for hours, learning how to cook meals and keep house in the jungle, figuring out how to keep the bugs, critters, snakes, and mold at bay, trying to keep relationships a priority and not see visitors as a hindrance to your translation schedule or goals, dealing with co-worker challenges…… I mention all of those things to help you understand some of the realities and difficulties that are present as missionaries serve overseas.

Step 4 in Bible translation:  Revisions
After the content check, revisions are made according to the new changes throughout the checking process

Step 5: Comprehension Testing 
The passages are then read to several different people who are not familiar with the material to get their feedback on how it flows and if it’s understood.  Revisions are made based on that feedback.

Step 6: Back To English
The scripture is translated back into English in a semi-literal form so that the consultant (who doesn’t know the tribal language) will be able to check the work for all of it’s content.

Step 7: Sent to Checker
The translation of that particular book of the Bible is then emailed to a trained  ”checker” who goes through and makes sure there is not any content missing from the portions of Scripture and they make notes on all they have checked and send those to the translator.  ( We have 2 trained checkers here in Indonesia)

Step 8: Revisions
The translator goes over the notes from the checker and makes changes or writes up a note as to why they translated it that way and feel it should not be altered.

Step 9: Consultant Check
A trained consultant makes a trip into the tribal location and works with the translator going over all the translated material and then meets with the tribal people to do comprehension checks to make sure the material flows and makes sense to them.  After the trip the consultant sends follow-up notes on what they checked and revisions are done once again.

Step 10: Printing!
After all these important steps the material is then sent to the printer.  Here in Indonesia the main town has printing ability so 25-30 copies are printed and sent back into the tribe.

Step 11: Reading Checks
The printed Word is taken around to different villages to read and work through.  If any verses or sections aren’t clear or don’t flow because of it’s language, notes are made and then the translator goes back through all the different steps of revision and checking. 

Step 12: Big Printing
Once the reading checks are done then they will print several 100 copies and distribute it to the people

Whew!  What a huge but important process.  ”Lord direct Bible translators as they dedicate hours, months, years to the accurate translating of Your precious Word!”

After His Glory,

Tim & Andrea Ullum