James Hafford

James Hafford is an Assistant Professor in the School of Graduate Studies at Trinity Western University, affiliated with the Department of Applied Linguistics. He joined Wycliffe Bible Translators in 1995, leading New Testament translation efforts for the Wuvulu people of Papua New Guinea, establishing vernacular schools, and conducting linguistic workshops. He currently mentors Old Testament translators remotely using satellite technology.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Linguistics, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa (2015)
• M.A. in Linguistics, University of Texas at Arlington (1999)
• B.A. in Computer Science, Pacific Lutheran University (1983)

His research focuses on Austronesian and Papuan languages, particularly Wuvulu, with expertise in Bible translation, morphosyntax, phonology, and historical linguistics. He has contributed to language documentation through publications on grammar, phonology, and creole languages.

Publications emphasize Wuvulu language analysis (85% of works), including descriptive grammars, phonological studies, and translation. Secondary themes include pidgin/creole linguistics and linguistic data methodology, reflecting consistent fieldwork-driven research since 1999.

Awards:

• Merit Scholarship, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa (2013)

He serves as a linguistics consultant for SIL Papua New Guinea, supporting translation teams for 7+ languages (Barai, Buhutu, Koluwawa, Mekeo, Miniafia, Siar-Lak, Ubir).