LWC ORAL BIBLES
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Learn how to serve the Bible translation movement by combining AI and Bible knowledge.
Help mother tongue translators by creating oral versions of biblical texts in their LWC.
WHAT IS A LWC?
Languages of Wider Communication, or LWCs, are the bridge languages we use in Bible translation to connect with mother tongue translators. These are the languages that lots of people learn as a second or third option because they help different groups talk to each other. They're super useful in settings like business, schools, government, and media. Take English, for example—it’s an LWC in global business and international relations. In East Africa, Swahili plays this role, helping folks from diverse ethnic backgrounds communicate effectively. And in China, Mandarin ties together speakers of many local dialects and languages, making it easier for everyone to understand each other.
WHAT IS AN ORAL VERSION?
When mother tongue translators work to translate the Bible into their native languages, they often face a significant challenge: adapting the written form of the Bible from the Language of Wider Communication (LWC) into a natural oral style for their language. The translations available to them are usually designed for reading, not speaking. As a result, the sentence structures and paragraphs in these versions often don’t match the way people naturally communicate through speech. This creates an additional difficulty for translators. Not only do they have to accurately translate the Bible’s content, but they also need to restructure it so it sounds natural in their language's oral tradition. This process can be difficult and time-consuming, especially for those who may not have experience transforming written text into spoken language. By providing translators with versions of the Bible passages that are already adapted for oral presentation—without losing the original meaning—we aim to simplify and speed up their work. These oral versions feature shorter sentences, simpler vocabulary, repetition for emphasis, and clear connectors between ideas. This approach helps ensure that the translations are both true to the original text and well-suited for oral communication, improving understanding and engagement for audiences who primarily rely on spoken language. Mother tongue translators use the oral versions as an extra resource, to complement the Bible they already have in the LWC.
CREATE ORAL VERSIONS IN SIX STEPS
Step 1: Convert Text to Oral Format
Use Model A to transform the written Biblical text into an oral version. Choose the specific passage you want to adapt and specify any style preferences.
Step 4: Refine the Version
Use Model C to adjust the oral version created by Model A. Prepare Combined Feedback: Prioritize Consultant's Recommendations as the main guide for revisions. Include Model B's Suggestions that the consultant agrees with or hasn't addressed. Provide to Model C: The Original Oral Version from Model A. The combined Feedback of the consultant's and Model B's inputs. Model C's Role: Implement Revisions based on the consolidated feedback. Generate Revised Versions until the final version meets the desired criteria.
Step 2: Check for Accuracy
Input the Oral Version from Model A into Model B. Model B will analyze Model A's accuracy. It will verify how well the oral version matches the biblical original meaning. It will also confirm if the version is appropriate for oral communication. Then it will generate suggestions for improvements, if necessary.
Step 5: Produce the Audio
Record the Finalized Oral Version: Recording Options: Automated Voice: Use Model C's built-in voice feature. Personal Recording: Record in your own voice using tools like Audacity. Quality Assurance: Clarity Check: Ensure the audio is clear and understandable. Sound Quality: Verify that the recording is of high quality without background noise.
Step 3: Human Expertise Review
Provide to the Consultant: a) Oral Version: The text produced by Model A. b) Analysis Report: The feedback from Model B. Consultant's Role: Review Materials: Carefully read both the oral version and the analysis report. Approve or Suggest Changes: Approval: If satisfied, approve the oral version for use. Recommendations: Offer specific suggestions for improvement. Conflict Resolution: If consultant's feedback conflicts with Model B's, the consultant's recommendations take precedence.
Step 6: Upload and Share
Share the Audio: With Your Team: Distribute the recording to team members for further use. Upload to the System: Make it accessible to other teams using the same language. Archive and Distribute: Email to OBT Lab: Send the audio file for safe storage and broader distribution. Community Sharing: Consider sharing with a wider audience if appropriate.
This web app uses customized GPT models to research and engage with our intended users - Bible translation teams. Developed by Marcia Suzuki from YWAM's University of the Nations, these models are currently in the testing phase. They have been enhanced with a range of approved Bible Translation resources for best practices to ensure quality and accuracy. For more information, please contact marcia.suzuki@uofn.edu.
© 2024 by Marcia Suzuki