translation – OralityTalks

Reaching Indigenous Communities Through Orality

Cleonice Barbosa Larsson — Wed, 13 May 2026 13:16:50 +0000

During our May 2026 webinar, Cleo showcased how orality, specifically oral Bible translations, has a deep impact among indigenous people in northern Brazil. She pointed out that relationships are not optional but central to discipleship.

Translator: Hitielly Correia

Emotion Exegesis for Faithful Oral Bible Translation: Understanding the Emotional Dynamics of Scripture (Part 1)

Joshua C. Frost — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 22:35:28 +0000

While methods for tackling many of the issues that Bible translators commonly faced have already been refined over the decades, Bible translators have, by and large, not needed to translate the emotional dynamics of Scripture that could only be captured by voice. All of that is changing now that oral Bible translation has come onto the scene. In the last decade, oral Bible translation has grown from translation projects in a few dozen languages to translations in around a thousand languages. This 2-part paper presents a summary of my thesis findings on the topic of emotion exegesis for Bible translation. In the first part of the paper, I present three theoretical perspectives that Bible translators need to understand emotions in light of recent scientific discoveries.

Watch the related webinar presentation.

Check out further resources about orality in holistic hermeneutics at OralityResources.International.

Resources

Summary: The Prospects of Bible Translation in the Ijebu Dialect for Motivating Christian Discipleship

Gabriel Oludele Adeloye — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 20:52:56 +0000

This is a summary of the capstone project, The Prospects of Bible Translation in the Ijebu Dialect for Motivating Christian Discipleship. The study used surveys and observations with 25 participants to compare their motivation to read and share Scripture before and after exposure to Bible portions in the Ijebu dialect. The findings show that engagement and willingness to share increased significantly when Scripture was presented in their heart language, highlighting the strong potential of Bible translation to motivate discipleship among Ijebu speakers.

From Silence to Sign: Emotional Exegesis and Oral Hermeneutics in Pakistan Sign Language

Salas Rashid — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 03:10:00 +0000

This paper explores the intersection of emotion, sign language, and oral hermeneutics within the Pakistani Deaf community, highlighting the integral role of emotional expression in interpreting Scripture through Pakistan Sign Language (PSL). Drawing on personal experience and emerging scholarship, the study argues that sign language is not merely a visual form of communication, but a fully embodied oral-visual language rich in emotional and theological meaning. It highlights the role of emotional and linguistic markers, facial expressions, and body movements in conveying biblical narratives, emphasizing the concept of “emotional exegesis,” which involves interpreting Scripture through the lens of emotional expression. The paper also examines emotional triggers and their role in making biblical stories resonate personally with Deaf audiences. By applying oral hermeneutics and embracing multisensory communication, the research advocates for more inclusive and effective ministry practices that honor the lived experiences and linguistic realities of Deaf communities. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of how Scripture can be faithfully and powerfully communicated in a non-written, emotion-centered modality.

Language: Unleashing Its Hidden Powers

Wayne Dye — Wed, 13 Mar 2024 23:43:00 +0000

During his talk, Wayne Dye highlighted the significance of understanding and using the language of the people we wish to engage with the Good News. Drawing from Biblical and cultural examples, he emphasized how important it is to communicate in a way that resonates with the listener and helps them connect with the message being conveyed. Whether using analogies, metaphors, or examples familiar to the listener, speaking in their language helps break down barriers, build trust, and ultimately lead to a deeper understanding of the Good News. By taking the time to learn and use the language of those we seek to reach, we can more effectively share the love and hope of the Gospel with them and positively impact their lives.

Read the related journal article.

Discover more about Language through our training materials at Orality.Academy!

Check out more resources about Language on gomap.