Language survey

The work of language survey is vital to the life and growth of minority language communities.  It lays the groundwork for Bible translation and language development by helping Wycliffe to make informed decisions about how and where to focus their efforts and resources.  Language survey creates opportunities for developing languages, revitalizing cultures, and transforming lives in the image of Jesus Christ.  

A map of the Bible translation process: it starts with survey! 

Why is language survey necessary?

Wycliffe’s vision is to see the Bible translated into every language that needs it.  But who determines what languages there are and which of them need translation?  Often, these language groups are in remote areas, isolated by political and geographic boundaries.  At other times, it may be hard to determine whether two groups of people are speaking separate languages or simply two variations of the same language (such as British English versus American English).  As surveyors, we investigate the languages and answer these and other questions.  Language is constantly changing, and it's often necessary to assess and re-assess and re-re-assess the status of each one as they continue to develop. 

Where does research need to be done? The surveyor determines the potential language groups and gathers as much information as possible before setting off on the survey.

Language potentially needing translation: The survey team will travel from village to village gathering information about the languages in the area, often with the help of national language helpers.

Analyze the need for translation:  Upon returning home, the surveyor analyzes the data gathered to determine how many language projects are needed.

Pray for the ongoing work of language survey! It is a key part of God's work in Tanzania.