How Far Are We?

The software that we (and most Bible Translators) type our translation into, Paratext, has a Progress Tracking utility. This utility helps us manage and monitor team progress internally. It also assists us when reporting on project progress.

Within a typical translation project, each book passes through multiple "stages." The Project Progress Tracking utility defines 4 commonly used default stages (others can be added, but we have decided to work with these four). Progress for each stage can be tracked at a book, chapter or verse level. Our stages are as follows:

1. 1^st Draft – this involves a translator's first attempt at translating a book. This book will have the translator's signature (Signature Translator)
2. 2^nd Draft – this is a form of the text that results from 1] translators reviewing each others 1^st drafts and 2] translators meeting together to discuss/review each others work.
   
3. 3^rd Draft – there are 3 sub-stages to this stage. 1] Exegetical review of the 2^nd drafts by our Exegetical Consultant. The Signature Translator makes the necessary adjustments to the text in light of the exegetical feedback received after which the text is sent to 2] our Linguistic Consultant for review. The Signature Translator makes the necessary adjustments to the text in light of the linguistic feedback received after which the text is finally submitted to 3] our Translation Consultant who further comments on the translation and suggests changes where he deems necessary! When our Consultant is satisfied with a book, he signs off on it. It is after this detailed external review process that a book enters its 4^th and final stage.
4. 4^th Draft - studio production and release to the public
   

Based on the stage each book is at, Paratext calculates an overall percent completion and estimated completion date. So far, 75% of project has been completed. The estimated completion date is 2011!