What is Language Exploration? 

 Lutheran Bible Translators is dedicated to seeing translation projects started, continued, and completed with excellence. Through 60 years of Bible translation, certain assessments have risen to the top as critical for determining project success. These assessments make up the Language Exploration stage; an on-going dialogue with the community and stakeholders which Regional Director Sarah Esala describes, “to help evaluate not just the translation need but also the community’s readiness to support the project.” 

These may include, but are not limited to, the Multilingual Assessment Tool (MAT) and Language Program Viability assessment to determine who is speaking the language and what other languages are similar or widely used in the area, and the Welser Scripture Engagement Assessment and LBT’s Program Indicators Assessment to better understand the environment for potential Scripture use.  

“All this takes time, resources, and teamwork. It takes time to visit various communities on multiple occasions to hear, learn, and grow in the understanding of possibilities and processes…Resources needed include people with skills, training, time available to do the work, and connections to bring the right people into the conversations; and money to cover transportation, engage experts, and other needs. And finally, a teamwork approach is necessary because this process is complex,” says Esala. 

It is vital to remember that surveys and assessments are not the end of the story. Rather, the results are meant to be lanterns illuminating the path to connect communities with God’s Word. Reverend Tim Schulte reminds, “Turning people into statistics is very off-putting. It’s efficient and helpful on one level, but you need to remember you are in a people-based industry, especially one when you’re in the care of souls.” 

Lord, please guide the teams involved in Language Exploration. Give them the wisdom to complete the tasks necessary. Keep their hearts focused on you. Use their efforts to bring hope, life, and transformation through your Word. Amen.