A Well-Planted Translation

Posted on 28. Feb, 2008 by in Burkina Faso



One of the benefits of Lutheran World Relief’s pattern of working with partners is the miracle of human connectedness it allows. We are not distant from those with whom we work, neither do we bypass those with local expertise. We are neither experimenters nor implementers. We strive to be true partners.

In spite of the need to offer multiple language translation, we connect. Some messages go beyond verbal communication. In one village near the boarder between Burkina Faso and Mali, my English language comments were translated into French by Evariste Karengwa, LWR’s Regional Director for Africa. Nana Touré then translated from French to Bambara — a majority language of Mali. Then, a local community person translated from Bambara to the rare and remote Dogon language, spoken by those who inhabit the Mopti region. Based on the community’s reactions, there are some things that don’t get lost even in multiple translations.

Here’s part of what I said: “There’s an old, old story told about having faith the size of a small, small seed. Such people are divinely empowered to move mountains. Mountains of poverty, mountains of suffering, mountains of injustice. We thank God for giving this community this power, this transformation, this future, through this partnership.”

And the work has a future: The plan calls for increased production, allowing for greater distribution of the profits. Life here, in this remote, but far from Godforsaken place, can become bearable, livable and hope-filled. A key factor is LWR’s accompaniment model (see current LWR newsletter). This helps us to garner respect from those with whom we work. That’s why they wait through multiple translations to hear from us. By working and speaking in this way, we gain “reach” into hard-to-reach communities such as this.

Whether a mustard seed or a sesame seed, if it’s well-planted, it translates, transcends cultures and transforms communities.

is a nonprofit organization that works with Lutherans and partners around the world to end poverty, injustice, and human suffering.

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  • Megan Lysaght

    This encounter in Mali and dialogue about the significance of faith as a mustard seed continues to resonate in my mind as a student and in my heart as a Christian.

    I wanted to thank you, Dr. Nunes, for coming to California Lutheran University to share stories like this one. I don’t think I could forget your stories about micro-finanicing onions, or the highest [nearly lethal] mountain in the Philippines. Thank you and I look forward to continuing to read about your travels.

  • jessicachristina

    “There’s an old, old story told about having faith the size of a small, small seed. Such people are divinely empowered to move mountains. Mountains of poverty,
    mountains of suffering, mountains of injustice. We thank God for giving this community this power,
    this transformation, this future, through this partnership.”

    cashsooner

  • jessicachristina

    We thank God for giving this community this power, this transformation, this future,
    through this partnership.”And the work has a future: The plan calls for increased production, allowing for greater distribution of the profits. Life here, in this remote, but far from Godforsaken
    place, can become bearable, livable and hope-filled.
    A key factor is LWR’s accompaniment model (see current
    LWR newsletter). This helps us to garner respect from those with whom we work. That’s why they wait through multiple translations to hear from us.

    mysweetdreamresorts