MULTIPLY BIBLE TRANSLATIONS
Masters in Classical Hebrew & Translation Consulting
Why is consultant training important?
A translation team normally works on one translation. A trained consultant can oversee multiple translation projects at the same time. Working from the original biblical language enhances understanding, improves accuracy, and accelerates the speed of translating the full Bible into people’s heart languages. Many of the translators that go through this specialized program will become consultants within just two years.
“National organizations across the globe have wrestled with the challenge of developing translation consultants for Bible translation in their country. Few such organizations have the resources within themselves for translation consultant development at a pace to address the 2033 All Access Goals. Though there is general agreement that the Old Testament is foundational for understanding Jesus’ Gospel of the Kingdom and building sustained disciple-making movements, only 9% of the world’s languages have a full Bible. With as many as 4,000 languages that might need Old Testament translation, there is a critical need to build capacity for Old Testament translation. One estimate is that an additional 10,000 translators and 2,000 consultants will be needed to meet the Old Testament need. In this project with Whole Word Institute, Wycliffe USA and multiple other organizations are collaborating on a faster, cheaper, and better means of translation consultant development through two MA programs: a one-year MA in Biblical Hebrew and a two-year MA in Biblical Hebrew and Translation Consulting.”
–Ken Schmitt, Sr. Advisor for Special Projects, Wycliffe
Masters in Classical Hebrew & Translation Consulting
OVERVIEW OF MA - CLASSICAL HEBREW & TRANSLATION CONSULTING PROGRAM
The MA in Classical (Biblical) Hebrew and Translation Consulting is a consultant training program consisting of source language and consultant skills training modules.
This degree combines Hebrew training with translation consulting training and practical consultant work in Bible translation. A person who successfully completes this degree will have core competencies in Hebrew and in translation consulting to serve as a Translation Consultant.
This 70 credit program consists of a 12-18 month residence in Jerusalem (School of Biblical Hebrew plus 1 additional quarter), and supervised field internship coupled with remote learning courses.
* Internship duration will depend on the individual project and will vary
YEAR 1: JERUSALEM STUDY
Part 1: School of Biblical Hebrew
The first 9 months of study are the School of Biblical Hebrew (SBH) the aim of which is for participants to attain basic translation proficiency in Biblical Hebrew (48 credits). This program is run during the 9 months from mid-September to mid-June. (See SBH section for more information.)
Part 2: Jerusalem study term
Upon completion of the SBH, while still in Jerusalem, participants will undertake additional courses (11 credits). These courses are taught in English and intended for Translation Consultants-in-Training.
* Reading and understanding English at an academic level is required
YEAR 2: FIELD INTERNSHIP & REMOTE COURSES
Part 1: Field Internship (8 credits)
Participants complete two field internships of 4 credits each under the supervision of a translation consultant. It is expected, but not required, that at least one internship is based on a written Bible translation project. Field internships are coordinated with partner translation organizations, therefore their duration can vary from 3 months to 1 year each. If a student is planning on a Specialization, they may substitute an internship appropriate to the Specialization for the second internship. Deaf internships may be based solely on sign language projects.
Part 2: Required Readings and Remote Courses (3 credits)
Prior to graduation, each student is expected to have read the Hebrew Bible. The absolute minimum requirement entails the Torah (Breshit through Dvarim), the first 12 chapters of Isaiah, and 30 selected Psalms.
In addition to the field internships participants will complete three credits offered remotely. Remote courses may either be concurrent with, or supplemental to, the internship depending upon the duration of the internship and the timing of course offerings.
SAMPLE COURSE OFFERINGS
Course ………………………………………………………………………………..Credit
SBH Hebrew Certificate…………………………………………………………. 48
Intro to Language…………………………………………………………………. Pre-req
Intro to Translation……………………………………………………………….. Pre-req
Performing Scripture………………………………………………………………..Pre-req
Communication Theory…………………………………………………………..2
Advanced Translation Issues…………………………………………………… 2
Cross-cultural Service & Teamwork………………………………………….. 1
Project Management & Tools……………………………………………………. 1
Biblical Foundations Orality…………………………………………………….. 1
मौखिक बाइबिल अनुवाद………………………………………………………………2
Translation Quality Assurance…………………………………………………. 2
Consulting Internship A………………………………………………………….. 4
Consulting Internship B………………………………………………………….. 4
Intro to the Hebrew Bible Masoretic Text ……………………………… 2
A History of Israel & the Ancient Near East
Directed Reading…………………………………………………………………………. 1
Total……………………………………………………………………………………………. 70
*See Whole Word Institute Catalogue for course descriptions
FEES
MA in Translation Consulting: 4 semesters + field internship
(SBH 3 semesters + consultant training semester + field internship)
Total: $49,855
MA in Classical Hebrew & Translation Consulting with added specializations: 5 semesters + field internship
(SBH 3 semesters + consultant training semester + specialization semester + field internship)
Total: $59,991
Scholarships are available for qualifying students.
*Includes: Tuition and academic fees for the entire MA program (both in Jerusalem & in the field) Does not include: Flights, books, insurance, visa fees, accreditation fees, or field internship expenses (vary by location)
CONTACT & APPLICATION DETAILS
For further details, contact [email protected]
SPECIALIZATIONS
Three specializations may be incorporated into this degree:
- Oral Bible Translation specialization
- Hebrew Teaching specialization
- Deaf Bible Translation specialization
* Acceptance into these specializations is dependant upon academic performance, agency support, and an academic interview
* Specializations require further study time in Jerusalem and may incurr additional fees
* While possible to undertake multiple specializations, this must be in accordance with your agency and your scholarship provider (if you have a scholarship).
* The specializations are a separate certificate that can only be granted if you have completed the MA-CHTC program
“I just want to thank you all again for the chance that you gave me to study Hebrew in Jerusalem. These studies still benefit me every day of my work. In February, I was approved as a translation consultant. Now I just finished my first checking session without a mentor. In September, I will help teach during a workshop on how to translate the Psalms and then I will check the book of Psalms for two projects. My time at Whole Word Institute has given me a good foundation to dig deeper into the treasures of Hebrew.”
–Pnina פנינה