Oral Bible Translation (OBT) is a way of translating the Bible that is centered on the people who speak their native language really well - the mother tongue translators. Instead of writing everything down, they mostly use talking to translate and check the quality of the translation.

The end result is a version of the Bible that's spoken, not written, and it's made in a way that's trustworthy, suitable for the language and culture, easy to understand, and sounds really good when listened to.

It is all about making the Bible feel alive through spoken words!

Technical Definition:

Let us break it down:

1. Oral Bible Translation (OBT): This is a method of translating the Bible where the focus is on people who are fluent in their mother tongue. Instead of writing, they mainly use speaking to translate the Bible and ensure its quality.
2. Mother tongue: This refers to the first language someone learns at home, which they are most comfortable speaking and speaks deeply to their hearts. Your mother tongue is the language that is closest to your identity.
3. Translation: This involves changing the words of the Bible from one language to another, while still keeping the same meaning.
4. Quality assurance: This is the process of making sure that the translation is accurate and well-done.
5. Orally: This means using spoken language rather than written words.
6. Trustworthy: This indicates that the translation is reliable and can be counted on to accurately convey the original message.
7. Appropriate: The translation fits well with the language and culture of the people who will hear it.
8. Intelligible: This means that the translation is clear and understandable.
9. Appealing: It means that the translation is engaging and interesting to listen to.

So, oral Bible translation is a way of translating the Bible where people who are the natural experts in their native language use spoken words to ensure a high-quality, reliable, understandable, community fitting, and engaging version of the Bible. Ywamers serve them by facilitating the process and providing resources.

Listen to a crafted story that will help you to better understand the process, the values and the principles of an OBT project.

This is a 30-minute audio, similar to a podcast. Prepare yourself a delightful cup of coffee and settle into a comfortable chair. Allow your thoughts to journey to the lush Amazon jungles.

This is a 30-minute audio, similar to a podcast. Prepare yourself a delightful cup of coffee and settle into a comfortable chair. Allow your thoughts to journey to the lush Amazon jungles.