Language Survey

Survey work - one of the most adventurous roles we have! 
 

Do you have a love for languages and an interest in

analyzing them?  Do you want to see a Bible translation in the heart language for everyone in PNG?  Consider serving with us!

A language survey or assessment is the first step in the process of Bible translation.  A sample of questions that the report answers are: Where are the language boundaries? Are there dialects?  If so, do they each need a translation or can they all understand one of the dialects?  What is the literacy rate?

In Papua New Guinea, the Survey Office is located in the Highlands of PNG at the Ukarumpa center.  Most likely you will be based at Ukarumpa when you are not on survey hikes.  You and your team will gather data before starting the survey, then you’ll head out for a 1-4 week survey trip. As you gather language data, you’ll have the opportunity to visit with local people, eat their food and sleep in their houses.  

There is also a need for language surveyors in Vanuatu.

Check out a blog written by a language surveyor in PNG.

Surveying the Situation  short video from PNG
To the Ends of the Earth: Vanuatu short video from Vanuatu

Here  is a recent survey of the Bebeli language in PNG.

So what makes a good Language Surveyor?

Someone who is:

-Adventurous, flexible, able to deal with ambiguity

-a team player

-Physically, emotionally, spiritually hardy and sociable

-Writing and computer skills are helpful

There are still many languages that need to be surveyed before Bible translation can begin.

Does this role interest you? 

Contact Wendy at pacificbible@hotmail.com for more information.