The Pilgrim’s Progress was translated into Welsh and Dutch during John Bunyan’s lifetime, and into around 300 languages in the next centuries, as it travelled round the world in the wake of Christian Mission.
The Pilgrim’s Progress Language & Translation Project aims:
– to expand and refine the list of recorded translations, through contact with libraries, and responses to this website during this anniversary
– to explore the languages and dialects into which it has, or may have been translated, including endangered or disappeared languages, and language groups, for example, indigenous and diaspora communities
– to build up a library of readings of the first paragraph of The Pilgrim’s Progress in as many languages as possible, by first language and diaspora speakers
– to relate translation to Christian mission, global population movements and social/political changes
The project continues to grow apace and you are invited to contribute in a number of ways.
Did you know there are over 280 known translations of The Pilgrim’s Progress? In 2017, Jennifer Ayley began compiling a comprehensive list of languages and dialects which can now be explored online. Perhaps you speak a language which is not featured on the list, or maybe The Pilgrim’s Progress holds special significance to your community. Do browse the list and find out about the many ways in which you can help.
Watch the project come to life in a selection of videos where you can enjoy people reading from translated versions of The Pilgrim’s Progress in Burmese, Czech, Greek, Flemish, Mara and Welsh.