We expect a surgeon to spend years in training before he attempts his first surgery. Likewise, a lawyer spends years in law school before he represents a case in court. Should a missionary go to the field without training? Should a translator translate the Scriptures with no preparation?
All-Nations members undergo two to four years of training in the following areas.
Linguistics
Studying language and its systems aids in language and culture acquisition. For example, you may notice that aspects of the language you are studying are reversed compared to English. In another language, speakers might say “John-with” rather than “with John.” Linguistics teaches that postpositions (like this example, in contrast to English prepositions) are a common phenomenon in the world’s languages. A trained linguist will not be surprised when encountering phenomena like this.
Translation
The Bible uses many figures of speech that may not translate into the target language. Luke 2:4 says that Joseph was of the “house and lineage of David.” What if the reader in the target language thinks that Joseph lived in David’s literal house? Figures of speech may lead readers to a wrong understanding. Studying translation theory and practice teaches translators how to find potential problems and how to best deal with them.
Biblical Language
For a New Testament translator, the study of Greek is essential. Simply reading a passage in Greek does not automatically result in finding a large golden nugget, but the careful discipline of studying a passage in the original language may help a translator notice nuances that can be overlooked in a translated text. A Greek word may correspond to a word in the target language more closely than what you would have expected if your understanding is based fully on English.
Biblical Studies
Classes can include a New Testament survey or a study on interpreting the Bible. Background historical information can be helpful in understanding the meaning of a passage. For example, why did John write to the church of Laodicea about water being hot or cold? Research the geography of the area to find the reason!
Bible translation is both a science and an art. Along with dependence on God’s Holy Spirit, both a well-trained team and a talented touch are required to produce a refined end product.
— David S, Tarahumara team