Translation Statistics

 

Worldwide Bible Translation Statistics

   1. World Population: 6.5 billion

   2. Languages spoken in the world: 6,909 [Ethnologue, 16th ed., 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 organisation)

   6. New language programs begun in Bibleless language communities since October 1, 1999 (the beginning of Vision 2025): 641 (Wycliffe involved in 526, i.e., 82%)

 

Wycliffe Participation in Bible Translation

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

   2. 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.

   3. Production: In 2007, Wycliffe personnel were involved in the completion of 1 Bible, 6 New Testaments, 5 JESUS film productions, 4 Luke videos and 2 Genesis videos.

   4. 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.

   5. Personnel needed: Over 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.

   6. Organisations that are a part of Wycliffe International: 48 member organisations, 29 recognised partner organisations.

 
Statistics presented here cover July 1, 2007 – June 30, 2008.