from the office of WordAlive Publishers

Kiswahili translation of the Africa Bible Commentary

WordAlive Publishers, a partner with the JSM-Langham Literature programme, is pleased to announce that by the end of July 2009, the entire Africa Bible Commentary had been translated into Kiswahili. The completion of this first phase in the Kiswahili ABC translation project was marked by the submission of the “Book of Proverbs” earlier in the month. This means that all the 66 books in the Bible have now been translated, plus the more than seventy articles. In addition, the editing of the translated work was also completed. That this double achievement was realised means that all translation phases came exactly 24 months after commencement of the translation project in 2007, as had been anticipated. The fact that the project has come this far is a clear indication that our hope is still alive: to have the Kiswahili version of the ABC in March 2010 ready to launch in April.

Upon review of the edited work, the project moved to the next phase, which involves holistic review to ascertain acceptability by the intended users. By August 2009, a selected group of potential users–apart from the translators and editors–have read through the prototypes and presented reports which will be used to shape the final product. These reviewers are geographically representative of the key Kiswahili speaking regions.

The General Editor of Africa Bible Commentary, Tokunboh Adeyemo, explaining a point to participants in the Kiswahili ABC translation work shop held in Nairobi in August 2007. The translation project was launched during the seminar.

The project then moved into the production phase. This phase also involves other technical aspects of editing, especially proofreading. A consultative meeting of editors took place at the WordAlive Publishers offices in June and July 2009 to iron problems in the use of some terminologies with a view to standardising usage. We commend the editorial team, which went overdrive to see that the editing phase did not suffer delays, as did the translation phase. The review team has equally demonstrated a high degree of commitment and we are anticipating an earlier completion date if this is sustained.

Thank God for:

1. The progress made so far and for God’s continued grace as we approach the homestretch.
2. The wonderful team that has been so committed to the project.

Pray for:

1. The reviewers: for insight and clarity of mind as they put the work into perspective.
2. The editors: for wisdom and diligence as they continue working on the articles.
3. The remaining phases – to overcome challenges and to see through the work smoothly and realise the publication date of March 2010.