What is a program?

A program is a planned sequence and combination of activities designed to achieve specified goals. Programs normally involve

• equipment
• materials
• money
• personnel, and
• time.

The word “project” is often used interchangeably with “program” in academic circles and by the Summer Institute of Linguistics (SIL) in regard to language development activities.

The word “program” tends to be used in contexts such as

• Language development program
• Language learning program
• Literacy program
• Reading program.

The word “project” tends to be used in contexts such as the following:

• Philippine language projects
• The Manobo translation project
• The Manobo literacy funding project

Here are some examples of programs:

• Literacy program
• Reading programs
• Training programs

• Concept module: program
• In overview module: Glossary (Literacy): P
• In modular book: Glossary of literacy terms
• In document collection: Reference materials
• In bookshelf: Literacy

This page is an extract from the LinguaLinks Library, Version 4.0, published on CD-ROM by SIL International, 1999. [Ordering information.]

Page content last modified: 2 July 1998

© 1999 SIL International