A parallel goal alongside Bible translation is for people to have the opportunity to use written language to meet their everyday needs. This is accomplished through literacy. Literacy is a foundational skill which gives entrance to the universe of books, to the Internet, and to the Bible in a person's mother tongue. Reading opens doors. Reading provides access to information, to instruction, and edification. Writing furnishes a means for expression and a method for the preservation of culture and for the dissemination of information.

Wycliffe field members work with the local community, teaching people to read and write and endeavouring to establish literacy as a community value. In many language programs, literacy work goes on side by side with Bible translation.