FNV Psalms and Proverbs Translation Process

Here are the steps used for the Psalms and Proverbs translation process:

The project Manager, Terry M. Wildman, oversees each step. He coordinates with consultants, provides review guidance, handles quality control, recruits volunteers, and promotes the project.

First, as lead translator, Terry prepares a draft verse by verse, using the key terms suggested by the First Nations Version Translation Council. Hebrew language helps are consulted using the translation tools found in Logos Bible Software. Several commentaries are also consulted to research the difficult passages and help with theological issues. The United Bible Society Handbooks for translators were used extensively in this process. Hebrew language consultants Professors L. Daniel Hawk, Amy Allan, and Matthew Schlimm are called in when necessary for insight into the more difficult passages and terms.

The UBS Handbooks are detailed commentaries that provide valuable exegetical, historical, cultural, and linguistic information on the books of the Bible and offer suggestions for arriving at a clear equivalent rendering. They are prepared primarily to assist Bible translators as they carry out the important task of translating the Scriptures into the many languages spoken today. The text is discussed verse by verse and is accompanied by running text in at least one modern English translation.

Next, the lead translator divides the preliminary text into manageable segments and creates a Google Doc to share the segments with the reviewers. The approved reviewers from different First Nations heritages review the draft and make suggestions. Working collaboratively, using Google Docs, the reviewers suggest possible changes. Any significant changes are brought before the Translation Council. The Project Manager oversees this process and makes the final decision when needed.

Each segment is reviewed by at least 5 First Nations reviewers, who check verse by verse for readability, clarity of understanding, cultural relevance, and simplicity of language. Other non-native reviewers are sometimes involved in some feedback from a non-native perspective.

After each segment is finished, it is reviewed by our consultants, ending the review process. From there, the project manager continues with consistency checks and follows up with any suggestions that might require further Translation Council input.