Translating a hymn or a song into another language requires as much of poetic artistry as it does language ability.
"The meaning of the words must be expressed within the limits of the music," observed David Frischknecht, managing director of the Church Translation Department. "Language doesn't translate word for word, much less syllable for syllable. So with hymn translations, our goal is to have the hymn convey the same message as the words in the language of origin and have it be appropriate for the same purpose — such as the sacrament, opening or closing a worship service, or Christmas — and be correct doctrinally. It takes a talented translator to do that."
Sometimes, a person who doesn't translate other kinds of material but who has a poetic or musical background is required for translating the hymns and children's songs of the Church, he noted.
"It can be time consuming. But it's also very rewarding, because once a hymn is translated into a language and is done well, then it is sung for years and carried into the hearts of the people."
After hymns are translated and reviewed, they are given to a committee called by ecclesiastical leaders in a given area of the Church. The committee examines the translated hymns, sings them and ensures that they will be acceptable for the membership of the Church in the area.
In addition, the General Music Committee of the Church reviews translated hymns to see if any alterations need to be made in the musical score.