Linguistics
Laying the foundations for Bible translation
Many of the 2,500 languages where translation is still needed do not yet have a written form. The majority have never been analysed or documented. In many cases language communities are keen to see their language developed, but lack training and encouragement.
Working alongside members of a language community, a linguistic team will work towards:
- The formation of local language committees, who will guide and promote language development.
- Identifying gifted mother tongue speakers and training them to participate fully in the project.
- A thorough linguistic analysis of the sound system.
- A practical alphabet which is approved and accepted by the community.
- A detailed analysis of the grammatical system and language structure, which will help translators produce high quality translation.
- A language database, often leading to a more fully developed dictionary.
Linguistic work is usually carried out under Wycliffe's sister organisation, SIL International and in partnership with other national and international Bible translation organisations.
Training for linguistic fieldwork is provided by the European Training Programme. Applicants for linguistic work are usually but not always educated to degree level, and have well-developed analytical abilities. Some will have a background in linguistics or languages, but we also welcome enquiries from those who have studied mathematics or any other analytical subject.
If you are wanting to go overseas to do linguistic work, you may also want to consider enrolling on the 3-year MA in Field Linguistics, which includes a 2-year overseas internship.
- View our info sheet about linguistics (pdf, 756KB)
- Browse current language related vacancies
- Investigate opportunities to do linguistic work overseas
- Find out more about the MA in Field Linguistics
- Contact us
- Back to Roles within Wycliffe
