"All languages are worthy of preservation in written form. This should be done as part of the heritage of the human race."
Dr. Benjamin F. Elsin
SIL International
The purpose of SIL is to study the languages of the Philippines and to work cooperatively in service to others through language research, literacy and translation of literature high practical and moral value.’
J. Stephen Quakenbush, PhD Director SIL Philippines 2000
With a firm religious foundation, the Philippines encourages education in strong moral values. As a result, translation of Scripture is appreciated by both educational and religious sectors of the country. SIL includes translation along with linguistic production and literacy promotion in most language projects. Literature of the Holy Scriptures is widely held as some of the most important writing in the world."
Dr. Eugene Nida, United Bible Societies
Because SIL is focused primarily on assisting isolated language communities around the world, transportation difficulties are the norm, in the early years of SIL Philippines, partner communities in the USA raised funds to provide several small aircraft designed for short takeoff and landing in difficult terrain. These aircraft proved invaluable after the terrible earthquake that devastated northern Luzon in 1990, when roads and infrastructure collapsed throughout the mountains. SIL immediately joined others in rescue operations. The tiny SIL helicopter was able to help in efforts to evacuate those who were injured or stranded. A special helipad was built to receive victims flown in by SIL pilots who worked 18-20 hour days. SIL Aviation did everything possible to reunite students with their families and ferried medical teams from village to village, and delivered relief goods into remote locations.
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As with many of the other wonderful organizations with whom we have worked, SIL has found that computer and e-mail technology have taken on enormous importance to their efforts. Translations are entered and then typeset for publication via computer, e-mail provides the safety and support needed by people living in remote villages. New technology is on the horizon. Satellites will soon allow Internet access even in areas without land phones or cellular phone access. Combine this with new wireless networking, and it means groups and schools can share resources and the Internet without cables. Terry is working hard to facilitate the efforts of all those individuals who are far away from mainstream technology, allowing at times, quantum jumps from zero to the latest in technology. This may mean savings of many dollars in wires and antennas, and the security of the information transmitted.
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"SIL's concern for human rights is something to be admired and emulated."
So begins the introduction to the commemorative booklet put out by SIL Philippines. Via this book, I would like to explain their work as well as the relationship SIL has to ours. All italicized words are excerpted from the "Celebrate SIL Philippines 50 Years" SIL book by Jean Lieffers .
.Scholarship, Partnership & Service
In ..................................................
Linguistics, Literacy & Translation.