Anticipation is building as I look forward to June 15th, 2015. For me personally it marks the 2nd anniversary of the day I married the love of my life, Lauren. For me professionally it will also mark the first day of my final semester of language survey training at CanIL (Canada Institute of Linguistics) in Langley, BC!
Summer at CanIL is an intensive 9 week program that trains Bible translators, linguists, literacy workers and language surveyors, among other things as well. We work hard at CanIL, but alongside the courses offered, CanIL also has a vibrant community life made up of students and staff who make an effort to get to know one another and have fun together during the summer. Hiking, camping, morning chapel and communal meals are all part of the CanIL experience! Overall, it is a great place to meet many people who share a passion for linguistics, Bible translation and the Bibleless peoples of the world! Many of these students will one day be my colleagues on the mission field where we will work alongside each other to do our part in translating the scriptures into all the languages of the world! I have already completed the first semester of training and will complete my second, and final, semester of the survey track this summer. After that, I will be ready to go overseas and start my language survey work. Now some of you may be wondering, what exactly is language survey? To give you a general idea, language survey is one of the first steps in the Bible translation process. We work in teams and travel to remote areas to gather linguistic and cultural data about minority languages, which is used by language developers and Bible translators to determine what needs to be done to most effectively move forward in the Bible translation process. Language survey is also crucial at various points throughout the translation process when more information about a specific aspect of a language is required, in order to help Bible translators overcome barriers while translating the scriptures. Our work also includes documenting minority languages, as many of the languages that we will encounter have been studied very little, if at all. Data that we collect is then used to create grammars of the language and start literacy programs. It is challenging work, but also extraordinarily exciting and rewarding! I can’t wait to be a part of it! Here are a couple links that provide more information about the Canada Institute of Linguistics and the program that I will be completing in this summer. Summer at CanIL Language survey track -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- As Wycliffe Missionaries Lauren and I are moving out in faith, trusting that God will ensure our needs are met by stirring hearts to provide us both prayer and financial support. If you feel the Lord stirring your heart to partner with us financially you can download and print this form and follow the instructions provided. Wycliffe Giving Form If you would like to learn more about what Lauren and I are doing with Wycliffe and how you can be a part of that through prayer and encouragement, or if you have any other questions for us, you can contact us at: [email protected] or [email protected]. You can also call Chris at +1-587-583-5181. Below is a picture of the students and staff that was taken during my first semester at CanIL.
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AuthorChristopher and Lauren Merke have joined Wycliffe to help fulfill the goal of seeing the scriptures translated into every language of the world! Christopher and Lauren live and work in Mbeya, Tanzania doing linguistic, language survey and vernacular media work. As a linguist, it will be Lauren’s responsibility to analyze and evaluate the linguistic and cultural data that is collected by language survey workers. Her role is very important because it speeds up the Bible translation process and makes translators for effective, ensuring the Good News of Jesus Christ reaches people as quickly as possible. Christopher will be fulfilling two roles as a language surveyor and as a vernacular media technician. As a language surveyor, Christopher travels to remote villages in order to gather linguistic and cultural data about various people groups and language groups. This is critical information, as it lays the foundation for Bible translation work through seeking answers to critical questions in the first stages of the Bible translation process. As a vernacular media technician, Christopher’s role will be to help translate various materials, such as the Jesus film and Christian radio programs, into other languages in Tanzania to ensure that the Gospel reaches as many people as possible. Christopher and Lauren are thrilled to be able to use the gifts that God has given them and would like for you to prayerfully consider partnering with them in this journey! Archives
September 2016
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