At least 24 Philippine languages are now on jw.org, known to be the most translated website in the world, with more than 1,000 languages featured to reach as many people as possible in the “language of one’s heart”.
This, as the International Mother Language Day was recently observed to highlight the need for awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity.
“Translators for the publications of Jehovah’s Witnesses view their work as a public service with the goal of producing understandable translations that know no boundaries and that can inform and uplift their audience,” said translator Elnathan Lee who is also a Jehovah’s Witness.
Lee gave a presentation titled “Gathering People of All Nations and Languages: The Borderless Translation Initiatives of Jehovah’s Witnesses” at the 2021 International Mother Language Conference and Festival where the organization was recognized for their translation work. The said academic conference featured educators, international policy makers, researchers, and scholars from 12 countries.
The jw.org is the official website of Jehovah’s Witnesses who are present in 239 lands. Among the Philippine languages that can be accessed through their website are Abaknon, Bicol, Blaan (Sarangani), Cebuano, Chavacano, Filipino Sign Language, Hiligaynon, Ibaloi, Ibanag, Ifugao, Iloko, Inakeanon, Itawit and Ivatan.
Also in the website are Kamayo, Kankanaey, Kinaray-a, Maguindanao, Maranaw, Pangasinan, Surigaonon, Tagalog, Tausug and Waray-Waray.
In addition to many indigenous languages, jw.org offers content in over 100 sign languages and features reading materials in Braille for people who are blind or have vision loss.
The content is designed to be practical for everyday life—it includes online Bibles, an interactive Bible course, articles on family life, mental health, peace and happiness, videos and animations for children and teens, and more.
Jehovah’s Witnesses have a robust translation work around the world. In June 20, 2021, for example, the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures was released in Bicol language. Bicol is spoken by about 5.8 million people who live in the southern part of Luzon Island of the country. The New World Translation is also available in other Philippine languages namely Cebuano, Hiligaynon, Iloko, Pangasinan, Tagalog, and Waray-Waray.
In addition to translating Bibles, Jehovah’s Witnesses support Remote Translation Offices around the world that allow translators to live where many people speak their language. This helps support global translation that is accurate and easy to understand.
A major feat of their tireless efforts was seen at the height of the global pandemic. Their annual convention program was translated into over 500 languages and viewed virtually.
JW.ORG also offers resources for learning a new language, including the article, “Why Learn A New Language?” and a worksheet titled, “Tips for Learning a New Language.”
The Enjoy Life Forever brochure ,which is being used as aid to study the Bible, is also available on the website in Tagalog, Iloko, Cebuano, Bicol, Pangasinan, Waray-waray and Chavacano among other languages.
