Update on Tagulandang Translation

The translation of the Bible into different languages takes a lot of hard work, with many people involved. People need to be trained in the specific language and in the use of the required technology, and the work needs to be checked multiple times to make sure that the translation matches the original text.

It is an answer to prayer that the translation of the New Testament into Tagulandang is happening, but it will take time to complete this task.

By the end of 2008 work had begun on this project and between then and now there has been plenty of progress made.

• End of 2008 - February 2009: the Indonesian Bible Society made contact with local church leaders, in search for prospective translation team members.

• March 2009: an initial New Testament  translation workshop was conducted in a local church named ‘Sion Balehumara’. It was attended by 18 participants – all being Tagulandang native speakers working as local pastors and public/christian education teachers.

• April – June 2009: correspondence with the local church leaders to discover the outcomes from various workshops and to discuss the proposal for the translation team composition.

• July 2009: the translation team was established and the project was started.

The Translation Team is split into two groups and is made up of translators, reviewers, a keyboarder and a coordinator:

 Group 1:
Translator : Rev. Mrs. A. Lalisang-Bawole
Reviewers : Rev. David C. Talangamin 
                 Alexcius Mutia
                 Wolters Nanono
                 Wemprit Patta
                 Soni R. Sasombo
                 Nastan Kaliu Sasako
                 Rein Hard Makononeng

Group 2:
Translator : Rev. Pether Lemboh
Reviewers: Rev. Victoria  M. Puasa 
                John T. Makakombo
                Andries Tamangendar 
                Velix Bandil
                Akhira Decki Salawo
                Rev. D.J. Walandungo
 
Coordinator: Calvin Bisa
Keyboarder : Rev. John de Brek

The Indonesian Bible Society informs us that the team is doing well. They have managed to complete the first two books of the New Testament, which will now be checked by the Translation Consultant.

Translation work is timely but worth it. The Tagulandang people continue to wait with excitement for the New Testament in a form that they will be able to understand.

 

Please continue to pray for this project:

- Pray for the translation team - for wisdom and guidance as they work at the translation;
- Pray for good team work amongst themselves and with the local churches.