The Translation Process

   **The Translation Process**
**Partnering with Locals and Churches to Accelerate Translation**
Each language group is unique, and locals best understand their cultural nuances. That’s why the Bible and Literature Translation Association (BiLTA) collaborates with local translators around the globe to ensure Bible translation is both accurate and efficient.

1. Launch
We support locally led translation teams at the beginning of their projects, establishing clearly defined time frames, outcomes, milestones, and budgets.

**Who:**
- Field Partners
- Local Communities
- Local Churches
- Local Translation Committees
- Regional Directors
- Field Project Managers
- Translators
- Consultants

**How:**
- WhatsApp
- Email
- Skype / Zoom
- In-Person Visits

2. First Draft
Translators analyze a passage for meaning and create a draft in their language, whether it is in written form, sign language, or oral.

**Who:**
- Exegetical Facilitator
- Translation Advisor
- Translators

**How:**
- Internet and Data
- Logos Bible Software
- Paratext
- Render, Audition, or Audacity for Oral Bible Translation (OBT)
- Starlink
- AI
- In-Person Training with Consultants or Other Subject-Matter Experts

3. Team Check
Translators collaborate to ensure each verse is accurate and clear.

**Who:**
- Translators

**How:**
- Paratext and Paratext Lite (Android)
- Render, Audition, or Audacity for OBT
- Scripture App Builder
- Starlink
- AI

4. Community Test
Translators present the drafted Scripture to their community and solicit feedback to enhance clarity and naturalness.

**Who:**
- Translators
- Local Communities
- Local Churches

**How:**
- Paratext Lite
- Printed Copies
- HearThis (Audio Recording Software)
- Audio Players
- Smartphones with Draft Apps

5. Back Translation
The draft is translated back into a widely-used language to allow non-native consultants to verify its accuracy.

**Who:**
- Back Translators

**How:**
- Paratext
- Render / Audition / Audacity
- Starlink

6. Consultant Check
A consultant joins the team to review the translation, ensuring it is both accurate and sounds natural.

**Who:**
- Translators
- Consultants
- Consultants in Training (CiT)
- Translation Facilitator / Exegetical Facilitator

**How:**
- Paratext
- Logos Bible Software
- Render / Audition / Audacity
- Skype / Zoom
- WhatsApp
- Starlink

7. Publication
Translators meticulously proofread and format, or record, the final version of the completed Scripture.

**Who:**
- Translators
- Typesetters / Publishing Companies (Global Publishing Services, Bible Societies)
- Recordist or Recording Team

**How:**
- Paratext
- Digital Bible Library (DBL)
- Render / Audition / Audacity
- Scripture App Builder
- Google Play
- Social Media
- Kalaam Media for Website Publishing
- AI

8. Distribution and Celebration
Translation teams and partnering churches often begin distributing portions or books of Scripture as soon as they are available, rather than waiting for the complete Bible. Once the full Bible translation is completed, the entire community typically comes together to celebrate the achievement.