What Does a Consultant Do All Day?

I have discussed various aspects of a consultant's work in previous posts, attempting to give you a picture of what a consultant's ministry entails. But this week, one of my coworkers in Chad did such a good job of summarizing a consultant's work that, at the risk of being redundant, I obtained his permission to quote it.

First, though, let me refresh you on a few basic details. Normally in our translation work, it is the mother-tongue speakers of a language who actually translate the Bible. They act as the experts in their language, making sure that the translation is clear and natural. They work with experts in the biblical language and Bible translation, who help them make sure it is accurate according to the original languages.

Now, with that in mind, let's see how this works...

Periodically, throughout the year, the translator will meet with the translation consultant. These meetings or workshops, as we call them, are intense and last from a few days to two weeks. This is when the translation really comes to its final form.

However, before the translation workshop takes place the translation consultant prepares for it ahead of time. Before the workshop, the consultant previews the translation work. Now, it is important to keep in mind that normally the consultant does not know the language that he is checking. So how does he check the work?

The consultant checks the translation with the help of the Interlinear. The Interlinear is simply a copy of the translation that includes a translation of each word in French underneath. By looking at the French words the consultant can understand the translation very well. As he compares the Interlinear translation with the Hebrew or Greek Biblical text, he makes notes where the translation may not be accurate.

Then the translator and consultant make corrections during the workshop. The consultant goes through his list of notes and discusses the possible translation problems with the translator. Sometimes the mistakes are simple, like an omission of a period. At other times, an entire phrase needs to be changed because the translator misunderstood what the Biblical text was saying. The workshop is one of the most important steps in the translation process because it is at this time that the translation is put in its final form.

The cycle repeats after the workshop. The consultant prepares for another language group. He then meets with them to discuss corrections.

The work of a consultant is a full-time job. A full schedule would include about six two-week workshops per year. Considering preparation time, travel, and managing other translation and ministry tasks, the hours fill up. And this is a major problem today in translation ministry world wide: a shortage of consultants.

This helps explain a little of what I do all day. Yes, much of my time is spent alone at my desk, but not all of it. Being on the field allows us the opportunity to preach in the churches, to teach in the Bible school, and to share the good news of Jesus with those around us. This is what we do, and we are excited to do it. Thank you helping us so that we can.

I hope this helps to give you another glimpse at what I will be doing on the field. Yes, I will be spending a lot of time studying and preparing for workshops, but I will also be involved in church ministries (no, not preaching, however!) and sharing Christ with those around me. Currently, I spend most of my days on deputation activities and preparing myself for consultant work. Although this is very important too, I am eager for the day when I will be able to devote my full attention to my ministry in Africa. Thank you all for your support and prayers!

LEFT: Two Bibles International translation consultants hard at work in a translation workshop in Africa.