Recently, an Introduction to Bible Translation workshop was held in Alice Springs. There were speakers of Pitjantjatjara, Luritja, Western Arrarnta, Anmatyerr and Alyawarr, most of whom were new to Scripture translation work. Paul and Ann Eckert presented the workshop. They have a great deal of experience in training translators, in addition to their many years of translation with the Pitjantjatjara people. 

Each morning of the 5-day workshop commenced with a short devotion and prayer. Participants looked at an overview of the Bible and learnt about beginning translation principles. In a 'learn-by-doing' approach, participants did some practice translation of a number of passages. With only one person having tried translation before, one participant remarked that "translation is a good way of learning the stories of the Bible".

It was encouraging to see new translators making progress and growing in confidence towards the end of the week. Both the participants and presenters are keen to hold some follow-up workshops again next year. Nungalinya College will continue to facilitate the workshops in addition to our Diploma of Translating program.