International Translations

The spring issue of Box 4-5-9 features a cover article about the life-saving results of our international translations. With the recent publication of the Rarotongan language Big Book, Alcoholics Anonymous is now available in 69 approved translations, and thus in 70 languages total, including the original English. Thirty-three (33) languages are printed and distributed by A.A.W.S., Inc., and 37 languages are licensed to be printed and distributed by local entities abroad (with 22 printed by both A.A.W.S., Inc. and international A.A. entities).

There are 21 Big Book translations pending, at various stages of completion, which includes 14 new translations and 7 revisions.

A.A. World Services, Inc. Alcoholics Anonymous (Big Book)
Languages Available as of December 31, 2016
Printed by A.A.W.S.: 33

Printed by Local Service Structures: 37

Total Big Book Languages: 70*Items sold by A.A.W.S. and local structures.

A.A.W.S. Big Book Languages Pending: 21

Explanation of A.A. World Services, Inc. Licensing Procedure – from U.S./Canada Conference Charter: ìIn countries where a General Service Structure exists, the United States/Canada Conference will delegate sole right to publish our Conference-approved literature to the General Service Board of that structure.î

Current Projects

In keeping with the 2016 Advisory Action requesting that the “trustees’ Literature Committee update the pamphlet ‘Young People and A.A.’ to better reflect the experiences of young people in A.A. today,” the subcommittee is hard at work reviewing the nearly 100 stories which were submitted for consideration.

In addition, work continues on the development of literature for alcoholics with mental health issues and those who sponsor them (as per the 2015 Conference Advisory Action).

Literature Items on the Final Agenda for the 2017 General Service Conference

The following agenda items will be considered by the 2017 General Service Conference. This includes projects forwarded from the trustees’ Literature Committee and suggestions submitted for Conference consideration that the trustees’ Literature Committee agreed to forward to the Conference Literature Committee:

• Consider request for revisions to the pamphlet “Questions and Answers on Sponsorship.”
• Consider request to retire the pamphlet “Too Young?”
• Discuss proposed plan for the annual review of recovery literature.
• Review progress report on the update to the pamphlet “Young People and A.A.”
• Review draft language about young people’s conferences, for inclusion in the pamphlet “Young People and A.A.”
• Review revised draft pamphlet “A.A. for the Woman.”
• Review revised draft pamphlet “Finding Acceptance: A.A. for the LGBTQ Alcoholic” (formerly titled “A.A. and the Gay/Lesbian Alcoholic”).
• Review progress report on the development of literature for alcoholics with mental health issues and those who sponsor them.
• Review draft sample illustrations and corresponding revised text for the pamphlet “The Twelve Traditions Illustrated.”
• Review progress report on the revision to “Inside A.A.: Understanding the Fellowship and its Services.”
• Consider requests for literature and/or language regarding safety.
• Discuss request for a revision to the pamphlet “The A.A. Group.”