Quality Translator Training: Recent Experience in Mozambique

During the pandemic aftermath in 2021 and 2022, with its attendant restrictions, the Mozambique Bible Society needed to train 15 Bible translators from 5 neglected, minority languages, scattered in four locations remote from the capital. Was in-person training possible? Was it worth the cost? Could on-line remote learning do all or part of the job? Which parts, and how well? What resources could be made available? This paper sets the debate in our Mozambican context and reflects on the issues as well as the actual training experience from the point of view of those responsible for teaching along with feedback from those trained, arguing that in our situation face-to-face, in-person learning is essential despite the elevated cost.

Outline:

1. The context of Bible translation in Mozambique

2. The history of Mozambique Bible Society translator training

3. Available options for 2021, 2022

4. The method and curriculum used.

   Evaluations:

1. Perspective of the Bible Society headquarters

2. Perspective of the translators

3. Perspective of the teachers

4. Reflections for the future.