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Specialized, Semi-Specialized and Non-Specialized Tok Pisin Translation

Updated: Dec 15, 2025

I recently found myself asking a question. What should I call the different types of Tok Pisin translation that I have observed so far? Here are my initial thoughts.


Specialized Translation - A Tok Pisin translation that uses a lot of specialized words with a lot of borrowed words and is meant for employees of a company or a team working in specialized department. Example of documents would include a HR Policy Manual or Fuel Management Policy. Here is an example of a specialized Tok Pisin translation; Mekim verifikesen long aplikesen bilong ol stended rikwaimen long projek.


Semi-Specialized Translation - A Tok Pisin translation meant for the public but contains some specialized words that need clear definitions along with borrowed words. Example, a government document on tax brackets. Here is an example of a semi-specialized Tok Pisin translation; Mekim verifikesen long hau ol woklain i wok long bihainim ol stended rikwaimen long projek.


Non-Specialized Translation - A Tok Pisin translation that is meant for the public and uses documented specialized or borrowed words. It is a translation with elder generations of Tok Pisin readers and uneducated readers (including those who received some form of primary education) in mind. Example, a Christian Bible resource. Here is an example of a specialized Tok Pisin translation; Sekim gen ol samting long soim olsem tru tru ol woklain i wok long bihainim ol nomol rikwaimen bilong projek.


 
 
 

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