Description

The description of the oral translation process

It is now recognized that most speakers of any language group will never learn to read books, and only a few will read to learn.  The upshot of that reality is that we would do well if we communicated the Scriptures in some audio media first, before or along with print.  In that way, a team can effectively reach the most people.

A simplified description of the process is as follows:

• Someone prepares a recording of each passage of a meaning-based translation in a language that the translator understands orally. Alternatively, someone might prepare to read aloud a meaning-based translation in the hearing of the translator.
• The translator plays the recording in increments (or a person reads aloud) and he translates orally, while someone records the translation. 

•  Next, someone back-translates orally to a consultant who verifies that the content is complete and accurate.  (Where there is need for revision, a new recording is made and amalgamated with the unchanged part of the original recording.)
• Next, someone plays the recording for individuals and groups.  Someone verifies how well the listeners understand the message and whether they show any indication that they want to accept its implications to them.
• When the team is satisfied with the translation, they train someone who is a recognized effective speaker.  He will listen to the final version and mimic it to make a new recording.  (This stage produces a version something like Zondervan’s Dramatized New Testament in the New International Version.  However, we recommend that an audio recording in a minority language does not use the chapter and verse reference until the Level 5 recordings.)

It is recommended that the team create recordings in five levels:

First truths—A set of Scriptures focused on the perceived needs of the people.
      The units in this level will be individually titled. 

• Community ritual oriented societies—The people feel secure in everyone in the community doing the right actions. 
  (The team should recognize that they are offering an alternative to much of community custom.)
• Family/clan ritual oriented societies—The people feel secure in family ritual and magic.  At the same time, they fear magic against them. 
  (The team should recognize that they are offering a powerful alternative to the family/clan traditions.)
     "God made all things"
     "Why a married man and woman should stay together"
     "Why most people will never live again"
• Spirit-world oriented societies—Many of these are afraid of evil spirits.
• Islamic oriented societies—Most of these societies are generally community ritual focused, with an overlay of spirit focused attitudes. 
  The community is monotheistic, common with Christianity.  (The team should recognize that they are offering an alternative to the rituals
  and lifestyle of Islam.)
• Church oriented societies—The people desire to learn the basic truths of Christian faith. (The team should recognize that they are offering general encouragement to church oriented people.)
• Very traumatized persons—Such people are hurting deeply.  They have suffered devastation of their families and communities from war, disease, famine, earthquake, storm or flooding.  (The team should recognize that they must offer encouragement on a very deep level.)

Vital truths—A clear story about Jesus, including his teachings, with the core truths that we Christians affirm.

Very important truths—The story about Jesus with more events, the narrative about the early believers, and some more truths that we Christians affirm.  (This is still being developed.)

Additional important truths—Some truths that we Christians affirm that are more complex than those of previous sets.  
(This is still being developed.)

Oral translations of the whole documents of the New Testament (This is still being developed.)

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" The rationale for communicating orally the Scriptures "