Translation Into Tahitian

As the number of publishers grew, so did the work at the branch, especially the translation of Bible-based literature into Tahitian, the main Polynesian language. Even before the branch was established, a few older publishers who had a good knowledge of Tahitian translated some publications part-time, usually from the French. Beginning in 1963, for instance, they translated the Kingdom Ministry. Then in 1971 they completed the book The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life.

The establishing of the Tahiti branch in 1975 gave further impetus to translation. Many newer translators were familiar with English, which is taught in school. Hence, they could now work directly from the original English text rather than from the French translation. Beginning in 1976, the branch translated The Watchtower into Tahitian as a semimonthly edition, and for a time, they translated Awake! They also translated “All Scripture Is Inspired of God and Beneficial,” Reasoning From the Scriptures, and the complete songbook. Indeed, no other group has published as much literature in Tahitian as have Jehovah’s Witnesses!

Over the last 30 years, however, Tahitian and other Polynesian languages have gradually given way to French. One reason for this trend is that French, a major language with a broad scope, is employed both by the media and by the school system right through the university level.

Still, many Polynesians consider Tahitian to be a part of their cultural identity, so the brothers often witness in that language. And of the 26 congregations in the branch territory, 5 are Tahitian, representing some 20 percent of the publishers. Hence, there is still a significant demand for literature in that tongue.

[Picture on page 126]

The Tahitian translation team