Our graduate student Arin mechanically engineers at Purdue.
Erica studies at Rice University.
The Challenge
Imagine a script in which letters written in sequence blend to form a different character; or a language with words that are complete sentences. Is there a writing system so powerful that it can spell out any language ever uttered? What if the spelling of "you" depends on your age or social class? How do you translate "lamb" in a culture that has never seen one?
The language software team the Michael works with is small, but the computer programs are immensely complex to help with issues like these.
LinguaLinks Library contains training and advice on all aspects of Bible
translation.
Language Explorer (FLEx), a powerful lexicography tool, helps translators
collect tens of thousands of words in a few weeks and suggests what
words mean as texts are entered. Data Notebook, now in FLEx, facilitates the collection and analysis of stories and cultural information, so that translated words can be used in proper context. Interlinear text in FLEx synchronizes with Translation Editor (TE) to make sure the right words are used consistently.
Fun Facts
Early in the project, Michael helped generate about 200,000 lines of code that formed the base of our suite of programs. He automated program and performance tests. These automated tests help insure that the software works correctly.
Last year, the Americas Area Sign Language Survey Team asked Michael to write a prototype sign language comparison program. It helps determine how closely sign languages are related. About 400 distinct sign languages need their own Scripture.
The Lastufkas viewed Kuala Lumpur, the capitol of Malaysia, from the
tallest building in the world! Chewlan was born across the strait from
Singapore, where she lived for 17 years before attending college in the U.S.
Michael and Chewlan met in graduate school at the University of
California, Los Angeles, while working at the Institute of Geophysics and
Planetary Physics.
Chewlan and Michael home school(ed) all of their children; Arin, Erica, Lesley and Ryan. Arin and Erica's complete scholarships enable them to study at good Universities.
The Lastufkas praise God that their 10-year California home gained so much value before buying in Texas that they have no rent or house payments!
Chewlan likes to grow plants and garden, but often they burn up in the
Texas heat.
Michael enjoys coordinating the North Texas District Science Fair for homeschools each year. It's energizing to help students advance to the huge Dallas regional ISEF competition and do well.
In his spare time, the Papua New Guinea stilt house at the International Museum of Cultures took 3-years and help from many other volunteers for Michael to complete. The materials had been in storage for about 30 years!
As a family, we enjoy leadership and participation in AWANA, 4-H, Boy Scouts and Taekwondo.
