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A University of Calgary (U of C) student serving as a Wycliffe Canada intern has received a $1,000 U of C scholarship for his research into the writing systems used to translate Scripture for Canada’s Cree nation and two languages in Asia.

Stephen Li, a Hong Kong native who moved to Calgary with his family in 2003, utilized biographies, video documentaries and archived materials to research the impact of scripts developed by missionary James Evans and two others, as far back as the 19th century. The project demonstrated how the scripts affected all three language groups by giving them access to Scripture, helping preserve their culture and giving them greater access to national education.

Evans’ script, developed in 1840, drew its characters from a British shorthand system. It was used to establish written languages for the Cree, Ojibwa, Inuktitut and several other First Nations. Li’s project also traced how indigenous groups in Asia adopted two other scripts created by missionaries to develop their written languages.

Now in his fifth year of studies at the U of C, Li completed the research as part of a combined degree program in international indigenous studies and social and cultural anthropology. He was one of 20 students honoured Nov. 25 at the Undergraduate Research Award Reception, for their achievements in a poster competition as well as oral presentations. Li won the Graduate Students Association Award: Excellence in Research.

An article on the university’s website says the reception “showcased the efforts of selected undergraduates and highlighted the value of undergraduate research in a research-intensive university.”

At Wycliffe’s Calgary headquarters, Li has been working with Chinese Ministries to develop a hands-on manual for future administrators of that ministry. The 24-year-old student expects to graduate from the U of C in 2013. After that, he hopes to acquire more skills in project management.

“I see that project management is important… to the fulfilment of Vision 2025,” says Li, referring to Wycliffe’s vision to see Bible translation started, for all languages that still need it, by 2025. “I would like to combine the project management skills I have with linguistic training.”

Wycliffe Canada offers a growing number of internships each year to qualified applicants. For more information about internships and other short-term opportunities with Wycliffe, visit wycliffe.ca/involved/shortterm.html.

Related link: Wycliffe Canada's Chinese Ministries