Paradigms A and B in Bible Translation

In Bible translation these days we often talk about paradigms A and B. These are as follows:

Paradigm A

The translators and exegetical advisors all work on one language. The exegetical advisors learn this language and give both exegetical and translation input, as well as some training and tech support (of e.g. Paratext). The translators don't have to be Christian believers. Often the translators are from another major religion, or are a mixture of believers in Jesus from that background and those who follow the majority religion. The project is owned by a mixture of partners.

Paradigm B

A group of related languages (all part of the same language family) are organised into a cluster. One exegetical advisor gives exegetical and translation input to all these projects, as well as providing some training, and tech support (of Paratext, etc.). They never learn to speak the languages, but work mainly through the LWC. They do, however, study the linguistic features of the languages. The translators are all Christian believers. The project is owned mainly by local believers, but non-local partners help serve the needs of the project.

The Need

We are being encouraged to move from Paradigm A to B, though there are many parts of the world where paradigm A is still very much needed. Please let me know (via dawut7g@gmail.com) if you are in a project that is still paradigm A! That's so our recruiters will know what the remaining needs are.

LWC: language of wider communication (lingua franca)

Paratext: a computer program used for exegesis, drafting, checking and desktop publication

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