Walt was busy in these years doing his linguistic research. In 1969 he published his paper entitled, “Tifal
Phonology Showing Vowel and Tone Neutralization”. He also began work on a paper entitled, “A
Preliminary Vocabulary of Tifal with Grammar Notes,” which was eventually published in 1972. These
and other important academic papers were essential to understanding the language and eventually
would prove invaluable when translating all of the New Testament.
Walt and village men – Language learning in the village. (Photo Courtesy of Wycliffe Bible Translators Archives)
Before long, it was time for them to head to the states again for their second furlough. Before going,
they made sure that copies of all their linguistics and Bible translation work were stored safely at
Ukarumpa.
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