How much can recent technology accelerate Bible translation? Wycliffe Canada’s David Duncan believes the answer is ‘significantly.’ Since 2019, he has championed the use of The Bible Translator’s Assistant (TBTA)—software that produces draft templates and analyzes target languages—among translators and partner organizations around the world.
In fall 2023, David travelled with photographer Alan Hood to teach and test TBTA in the field. From a visit to ministry partners in Italy to a village dance party in Kenya, here is a photo essay of their journey.
All photos by Alan Hood
1. The journey began with David and Alan visiting ministry partners in Italy.
David Duncan (above, left) explains the latest developments and features of the TBTA software to Pioneer Bible Translators’ Brad Willits and Chris Vickio (in background with daughter). PBTI partners with Wycliffe Canada in the development of TBTA.
2. From Italy, David and Alan travelled to Kenya to teach and test TBTA in the field.
This is a street view of Chuka, Kenya, where David helped conduct a TBTA workshop. Chuka is a university town and a major place of commerce.
David and linguist Craig Palmer (centre-L) explain the details of TBTA’s Bible templates to Vincent Hiribae (on left and below) and Samwel Nyangweso (R). The session helped demonstrate how their work in Gichuka will contribute to TBTA’s further development.
David Duncan (above, left) presents TBTA to a group of experienced translators from Bible Translation and Literacy (BTL) Kenya (both photos). They are considering how TBTA can be used in neighbouring African countries.
Gichuka Bible translator and consultant Justus Mugambi points to the text of Genesis 29:1-6 created in TBTA.
David and Craig walk with Antony Muthomi (above, left), a linguist and project lead who is helping facilitate an Old Testament translation of Gichuka using TBTA. Craig set up TBTA to work in the Gichuka language and continues to partner with Antony.
Eustace Nkoroi, a translator with the Gichuka New Testament project, shares that he is excited to have TBTA as a new tool.
Antony and Craig look over the printed copy of Genesis 37 created by TBTA during a review checking session that Craig directed. Each participant looked over the draft and made comments on how to improve the naturalness of the text.
3. In the midst of training and review sessions, there was also time to celebrate the coming of God's Word.
Here, Gichuka dancers sing and dance a traditional song of welcome for David, Craig and Antony.
Antony’s relatives welcome David and Craig to their village for a meal with singing and dancing. They are thrilled that Antony is leading the Gichuka Old Testament translation.
Craig dances with Antony and Antony’s grandmother.
