Pg 1 of 3 Bible Society of the West Indies

Jamaican Creole Translation Project

Quarterly Report
Financial Year: 2009
Quarter: 3rd (April—June)

By: Bertram Gayle (Project Co-ordinator)

Date: 13th July, 09

Gad Wod iina fi wi Langwij

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Project Activities that Took Place During Q3 09

The following were achieved in the last three months:
1. Team review and production of a second draft for 12 New Testament books: 2 Timothy, James, 1 and
2 Peter, Philemon, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, Titus, 1-3 John and Jude. A copy of each book has been
sent to the Translation Consultant for review.
2. In the last two weeks of the quarter, translation commenced on Philippians, Colossians and Galatians.
3. Production of a four-page newsletter, two standees and a brochure for the project. These have not yet
been printed.
4. The Jamaican Language Unit (JLU) of the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona, commenced
field testing of Luke and the Jamaican translation of some key New Testament terms.
5. Two accounts - Twitter and Windows Live - were set up for the project. Twitter is a social network
on which persons with internet access are able to “follow” the daily developments of the project. On
Windows Live we are able to upload our translations which the public can read and on which they
can provide feedback.
6. The project happily welcomed JLU’s invitation to utilise one of its booth at its recent launch of a
book entitled Writing Jamaican The Jamaican Way: Ou Fi Rait Jamiekan (see cover picture).

Problems in reaching goals originally scheduled for Q3 09

1. The trial website was not launched as was expected as the Bible Society of the West Indies (BSWI)
has yet again discontinued discussions with another company what was approached in late March.
This time around, BSWI was concerned about the high set-up cost. Toward the end of the quarter,
arrangement was made to meet with representatives of another company whose set-up rates are much
lower. All being well, the website should be up and running before the end of the third quarter.

2. The Public Awareness pilot programme did not take off as we had expected. Miss Jo-Ann Richards
has requested further discussions and input from Wycliffe Caribbean and the JLU.

The brochure, newsletter and standees will be of much benefit when the project does commence. It is
hoped that the programme will pick up in the first quarter of the 2010 financial year (Oct - Dec, 09).

Project Goals and Activities Planned for the next Three Months
The following five items are scheduled to take place in the next three months:
1. Complete and make a second draft for Philippians, Colossians, Galatians and Ephesians.
2. Print two standees, our first batch of newsletters and brochures and distribute the latter two.
3. Complete field testing of Luke and key New Testament terms.
4. Continue working on Luuk Buk Project. Review in light of JLU’s findings and assist the personnel
responsible for studio production during studio time.
5. Launch trial website.
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Project Impact: How God’s working in lives through the project

The following is a testimony from Grant’s Pen, related to us by Miss Jo-Ann Richards.
“A few weeks ago, I conducted what I call a ‘Patois Bible Study’ in the inner city community of Grant’s
Pen, St. Andrew. First, we read the passage (the Prodigal Son from Luke 15) in English from the New
International Version. Next, I read it to them in Jamaican Creole, having received a second draft copy
from the Bible Society of the West Indies. During that second reading, I could hear and feel the partici-
pation of the congregation. It was as if they were actually in the story. At the end of it, one boy com-
mented that it was so much clearer.
The turning point, and comment that changed my whole outlook, came from an older woman. She said
that with the English, it was just words to her, but with the Creole, it was as if she could see everything
that was happening. Then she said, and I translate here: “The thing is, I don’t think in English. When-
ever I hear anything in English, I have to process it and translate it into patois in my head. While I’m
doing that, I’m missing a lot of what is being said!” My mind went back to those times when I had to
attend church and other meetings in Spanish, French, Djoula or Moore. There was so much I lost be-
cause I had to pause to process in my head. That’s when I realised how absolutely essential it is for us to
have the Bible in Creole, and to be singing songs in church that use our language and our music!
I hope this encourages your heart to continue the invaluable work you and the team are doing.”
By Jo-Ann Richards

Team Member Profile:

• Name: Tasheney Avagale Francis
• Home Church: Highholborn Street Church of God
• Church-related Activities: Drama Ministries: Writing, Directing and Acting dra-
matic presentations, Chorale Speeches, Poetry recitation, Dub presentations
• Education: UWI Linguistics Student (MPhil), UWI Linguistics Lecturer
• Interest in Translation: “My coming to the Jamaican Creole Translation Project is
two-folds. First, I longed to have a deeper understanding of the Word of God. Sec-
ondly, I can’t help but to support the philosophy behind this project when one thinks
of the vast impact it could have on the people and on a language I greatly appreciate.”

Prayer Requests:
1. Continue to pray for the upcoming launch of Luuk Buk : for Mr Paul Pinto, the personnel responsi-
ble for studio production. Pray for wisdom, patience, physical and mental health. The launch is
scheduled to take place this coming autumn overseas and locally.
2. Pray for our translators: for their protection, effective management of their non-translation-related
activities and their financial needs—all of which will affect their performance here at Bible House.
3. Pray that we would finally have a breakthrough with the development of a website for the project.
4. Pray for us as we spend the next few three months strategising how best to implement an effective
public awareness strategy.

“Aks fi wa unu waahn an unu wi get it; luk fi wa unu waahn an unu wi fain it; nak
pan di duor an it wi opn op.” Luuk 11:9