The goal of this project is to provide solid information for decision making about language programs – including translation, literature production, literacy, and Scripture Engagement – in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The East Congo Group (ECG) provides research services, including training, to a variety of clients: Language Programs management staff, language committees, language teams, church leaders, and local authorities. As a result, these decision-makers can (a) make plans with confidence that language development activities will be effective, (b) evaluate progress toward agreed objectives for community language use. Without such information, there is a risk that translations will not be used.

ECG’s Strategic Research Team has been active since 2009, investigating dialectal variation, oral comprehension, language use, and the degree to which children learn the vernacular; the team has also assessed language program effectiveness, advocated for development of Congolese languages and engaged with other researchers to clarify the identification, location and development status of the languages of the DRC.

Because of the large number of languages in the DRC and the conflict and instability of the last twenty years, strategic research will be needed for years to come. At the same time, widespread interest in Bible translation and other language development activities ensures that the team will not lack for opportunities.

We welcome you to partner with us through prayer and finances to help us achieve the above mentioned objectives.