How Many Translations to Go?  

Progress of Bible Translation Statistics 2008

“Announcing the Kingdom is one of the privileges of the Church worldwide. God is drawing people to Himself, transforming lives and communities across the globe. The annual statistics we share are a small part of the total picture but allow us to see something of the progress, remaining needs and challenges of Scripture translation and access. Bible translation is a critical facet of demonstrating the gospel among those who still need to hear God’s message in a language they clearly understand. We are encouraged, not only by the progress made, but by the many partners involved.”

Kirk Franklin, Executive Director, Wycliffe International

WorldWide Bible Translation statistics

1.  World population: 6.5 billion

2.  Languages spoken in the world: 6,909 [Ethnologue, 16th edition, 2008]

3.  Languages with probable need of Bible translation: 2,393 representing 200 million people

4.  Languages with some or all of the Bible: 2,479. Of these, 451 have an adequate Bible; 1,185 have an adequate New Testament; 843 have Scripture portions [UBS 2008] (Wycliffe has participated in work for over half of all languages receiving translated Scriptures.)

5.  Languages included in translation, linguistic, or literacy programs known to be in progress worldwide: 1,998 reaching an estimated 1.2 billion people (all known programs being carried out by any
organization)
6.  New language programs begun worldwide in Bibleless language communities since October 1, 1999 (the beginning of Vision 2025): 641 (Wycliffe involved in 526—82%)
Wycliffe Participation in BiBle Translation

7.   Countries represented by the languages in which Wycliffe personnel are working: 93 (including work among people who live outside their traditional homeland)

8.  Translation: Over the more than 70 years of history, Wycliffe personnel have been involved in the translation of 740 New Testaments and Bibles representing over 82 million people.

9.  Production: In 2008, Wycliffe personnel were involved in the completion of 1 Bible; 6 New Testaments; 5 JESUS film productions, 4 Luke videos and 2 Genesis videos.

10. Wycliffe supported personnel: 6,486 workers. Partners at the local, national, regional and international levels include thousands of additional people committed to Bible translation, literacy and the other language development needs of minority peoples.

11.  Personnel needed: More than 3,000 ongoing needs for linguist/translators, literacy specialists, trainers, project managers, computer specialists, accountants, administrative support workers, and a wide range of other professional roles.

12. Organizations that are a part of Wycliffe International: 48 member organizations, 29 recognized partner organizations.

These statistics offer the most current estimates available. Ongoing improvements in information gathering may result in occasional discrepancies in the totals from year to year. Statistics presented here cover July 1, 2007 – June 30, 2008.

Wycliffe International, 34 Craig Road #B1-07 Chinatown Plaza, 089673 Singapore, Singapore | www.wycliffe.net
Released by WBTI Communications | November 2008