It is very important that translations of the Bible be accurate. So how do we do that for translations in smaller languages? Well, that’s not as simple as doing just one thing.

• The first step is to select the translators with care. If done well, that is a multi-step process in itself.
• Then we train the translators in seminars and on the job.
• Then the translators get helps and specialized software. Today, most of the helps are computer based.
• It is crucial to train at least two Translators and have them work as a team, confirming each other’s work and working through difficult translation problems together.
• For thorny problems, the translators should be exposed to the solutions found in nearby languages. So they should have the opportunity to work together with other translators, especially those with experience.
• Next, the translators meet with groups of local people and read the translation with them, asking what the people understand.
• Finally, a translation expert goes over the translation with them verse by verse. This is as much for training and for improving the translation as it is for giving approval for printing.

These steps are repeated over and over. Each book of the Bible goes through this process. For longer books, just part of it might go through this process then the rest later. Because the translators learn through the process and their translations get better and go faster, it is better to run through the complete process with smaller portions of translation, especially at the beginning. I have seen cases where translators took the whole New Testament though only first few steps. Then when they got to the next steps, they learned things that caused them to go back and revise all they had done. What’s a waste of time and money.