Local linguistic officer plays a key role in the language development effort
26 October, 2012 – By Tim Scott with Ray Stegeman Studying Linguistics in a language-rich country of over 830 languages was an easy decision for Malinda Ginmaule. Malinda began working in SIL-PNG’s Linguistics Office in April 2010, after completing a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics from the University of PNG in Port Moresby. While working as a linguistics officer, Malinda has progressed in her own linguistic research, with plans to begin post-graduate studies soon. Malinda’s roles include language documentation, as well as teaching of Papua New Guineans, especially in SIL-PNG’s Translator Training Courses. She has taught the Language Discovery section of this course four times, in Ukarumpa (Eastern Highlands Province) and Alotau. Malinda has also taught in other translation-related courses. Malinda presented her own material about language bridging, phonology and orthographies in vernacular languages, to a Bible Society meeting in Port Moresby. She also helped organize two conferences of the Linguistic Society of PNG held in Ukarumpa. Malinda has not only been involved with training, but she has made valuable University of Papua New Guinea contributions to SIL-PNG’s translation projects as well. She has translated documents related to HIV/AIDS and community care. And she has been able to respond to the numerous requests from other organizations for translation from English to Tok Pisin. Working out of SIL’s Port Moresby office, Malinda has strengthened relationships with other organizations like the Bible Society and UPNG, where she was part-time tutor. As more Papua New Guineans become involved in language documentation, they help preserve and revitalize languages that may be endangered. Using new computer software for documentation, language data are recorded, transcribed, and posted on the internet for the benefit of many Linguistics Office people. Many Papua New Guinean students have the right background and interest in languages to be successful in the diverse language areas throughout the country. With some additional training, they are able to collect linguistic data that become a valuable resource to the international community. SIL-PNG is grateful for the opportunity to invest in Malinda’s education and professional development and looks forward to a continued relationship with her as she pursues post-graduate studies. SIL-PNG known as “Summer Institute of Linguistics” in Papua New Guinea is a faith-based non-profit organization committed to serving language communities throughout Papua New Guinea as they build capacity for sustainable language development. PNG Bible Translation Association is a Papua New Guinean organisation committed to translating the Bible into the languages of the country. For more information on this release, contact SIL-PNG, PO BOX 413, EHP 444, Papua New Guinea Phone: 011 + 675 + 537-4431 or Email: DO-CCO@sil.org.pg “Tok Save” is the PNG “Tok Pisin” term for announcement or “For your information”