Linguistics and Translation
Use your language skills in Bible translation.
Because Every Language Matters to God
You’ve come to the place of the language nerds.
And we’re proud of it. Because we’re driven by one goal: that all people should be able to access God's Word in their own languages. For over 80 years, Wycliffe Bible Translators and our partners have been leading the world in language development and Bible translation.
This is an exciting time to join the global Bible translation movement — God is accelerating translation globally at an unprecedented rate!
If you’re gripped by the same passion, then you can use your love of languages, puzzles, discipleship and cultures to partner with local translation teams as they give their communities access to God’s Word in their own languages.
Our lives have been changed by the gospel. We are free from condemnation. We have been given grace and we live in freedom from sin and eternal punishment. And we want other people to live with that freedom and joy and eternal hope.
Connect With a Global Community
Bible translation is far more complex than can just be handled by an AI translation software. It takes commitment to invest in relationships, willingness to learn and a pursuit of excellence. Come make an impact as a:
- Translation Adviser: Work alongside one or more language communities to help facilitate and advise Bible translation.
- Linguistic Consultant: Partner with translation advisers and language communities to help solve difficult linguistic challenges.
- Translation Consultant: Support translation teams with biblical knowledge and exegesis skills.
Did you know that engineers and accountants make some of the best linguists? You don’t necessarily need a degree in linguistics or have advanced biblical education to begin (though if you already have a seminary degree or are a biblical scholar, then check out Convergence — a program just for you!). Before you start a degree program, we recommend you talk with a missions coach who can advise you on your best next steps.
Sign Language Bible Translation
Today there are hundreds of sign languages still waiting for access to God’s Word around the world. Considered the final frontier of Bible translation, sign languages have complex grammar systems that differ from spoken languages, so translating the Bible requires different processes and cutting-edge technology.
If you're flexible and ready to grow, you can serve on a global team as God accomplishes His purposes — one day, every Deaf man, woman and child will have the full Word of God in a language that best captures their hearts!
Sign Up to Learn More
Find out about new opportunities to serve, upcoming events and get the latest Bible translation updates.
Wycliffe partners with over 100 organizations around the world — you’ll have opportunities to work alongside local communities through our strategic partner organizations.
Learn More About Serving In
Linguistics and Translation
What’s It Like to Serve in Translation and Linguistics?
Watch our webinar series on translation challenges, including a day in the life of a Bible translation adviser!
God Is on the Move: Changing the Landscape of Sign Language Bible Translation
God is at work through sign languages around the world, allowing Deaf communities to access Scripture.
How One Word Can Be Complex
Prepare to be fascinated as Rick Floyd shares how one word in Quechua is a whole sentence in English!
But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?