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Bible Translation Advisor Training - BTAT 2025

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Today's lecture showed very detailed experiences with photos about a translation advisor. Especially, it showed real cases of how to translate unique features of an original language of Bible (Matt 1:20 ἰδοὺ; 2:1 μάγος). Also, using maps to connect the concept of direction (east, west, south, north) and of a hill with the local language, and showing a video of ANE chamber gate to understand a town gate and discussing with local people are really our job. The photos showed me how to put into practice the concepts I have learned so far.

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Keslyn & Chloe

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Keslyn & Coggsie

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The Prodical Son - Listen to Translate. 

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The Prodical Son - Listen to Translate. 

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Here was our first go at this one. A very rough draft, but not too bad. We imagined our audience as a Sunday School Class.

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Audience: Hikers and Campers

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Maggie, Ben, Abby

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Team Myra, Molly, and Matthew

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Team Myra, Molly, and Matthew

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Team Myra, Molly and Matthew

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Maggie, Ben, and Abby

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North America 2: Ps 23 Read and Translate 

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North America 2: Ps 23 Read and Translate 

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Translator: Benjamin

Facilitator: Maggie

Observer: Abby

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Amy and Audric

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South America Team, Method 5, Mark 4:35-41

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South America Team, Method 5, Mark 4:35-41

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Amy and Audric

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translator: Gaylene

facilitator: Jintae

Observer: Jintae: This translation is very lively and smoothly expresses the progression of events. Words are reconstructed into simpler words and sentences. The part where Jesus rebukes and asks about 'faith' is well expressed in the situation.

Reflection & Feedback for all methods:

(Jintae) We felt that it was not easy to change words and expressions during translation. Especially when translating Beatitudes, we found it very difficult to change one implied expression of the Bible into another implied expression, and this process was always beneficial. Through the last fourth and fifth methods, we realized that it is really important to discuss important concepts, words, and expressions, and that it is a difficult but necessary process to reflect the culture and context of the people who will use the translation.

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Translator/facilitator: Jintae

target group: younger elementary kids living in a city.

Observer: Gaylene (her comment is the recording in a chat below)

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South America team, Method 3, Matthew 5:3-12

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South America team, Method 3, Matthew 5:3-12

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South America team, Method 2, Luke 15:11-32

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South America team, Method 2, Luke 15:11-32

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We speak Portuguese and Spanish but we did in English in order to get understand, a challenge but fun

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I didn't record the audios, but I practiced the translation with my Titus team

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Group: Tina, Kalle, Jonathan, Marilyn

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Team: Tina, Kalle, Jonathan, Marilyn

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Group: Tina, Jonathan, Leesha, Marilyn

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Kalle, Marilyn, Tina & Jonathan - Method 5

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Kalle, Marilyn, Tina & Jonathan - Method 5

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If you still need a group for this week, select where you live and comment with your email address to contact each other. You need to be in a group of 3.

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Group Amy, Audric and Ivan

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Group Amy, Audric, & Ivan

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Group Amy, Audric & Ivan

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Group of Amy, Audric & Ivan

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Method #1: Ps 23 translated by Gaylene

Paulo: Facilitator. Jintae: Observer

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Team Oceania 1’s translations (Ethan/Emily/Rachel)

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Chapter 4 Translation Village Assignment

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Chapter 4 Translation Village Assignment

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Chapter 4 Pt 1

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Record here your team's Oral Bible Translation

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Record here your team's Oral Bible Translation

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1. Upload here the final audio of your group's translation for each one of the five methods.

2. Upload a video describing your team's experience, challenges and preferences.

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Activity: Experiencing Methods of Oral Translation

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Activity: Experiencing Methods of Oral Translation

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Purpose of the Activity:

This exercise aims to introduce you to different methods of oral Bible translation. Even though we’ll remain within the same language (English), this activity helps you experience the cognitive processes involved in various translation strategies. This is crucial for understanding how translators deal with linguistic challenges, cultural nuances, and real-time language processing. Practicing these methods, even within one language, sharpens your comprehension, critical thinking, memory, and orality skills.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Step 1: Group Formation

Divide yourselves into groups of three students each. Each member will rotate roles to experience all five translation methods.

Step 2: Find the Passage to Translate

Locate below a list of short Bible passages provided by your instructor. You will need both the written and the audio Bible.

Step 3: Roles Assignment

Each group member will rotate through the following roles:

Translator: Performs the oral translation according to the method assigned.

Facilitator: Assists by providing the text/audio and ensures that the instructions are followed.

Observer: Notes down observations and feedback on the translator’s performance.

Rotate roles after each method.

Perform the activity for each one of the five meehods

1. Read & Translate

The Facilitator provides a written Bible passage.

The Translator reads each sentence aloud in English, pauses, and then orally rephrases the sentence in their own words in English.

Observer records the translation and commenst on accuracy, fluency, and comprehension.

2. Listen & Translate:

Facilitator plays an audio Bible passage (in English) sentence by sentence.

Translator listens to each sentence, pauses audio, and then immediately paraphrases orally.

Observer notes the translator’s ability to retain information and accuracy in conveying meaning.

3. Study & Translate:

All group members listen together to an audio passage, discussing and clarifying meaning, context, keywords, and challenging expressions.

Translator then listen again to each verse and orally paraphrases each verse or segment based on their study.

Observer provides feedback on understanding of context, meaning, and clarity.

4. Internalize & Translate:

Group listens together to an audio Bible passage and engages in discussion about meaning, context, and key terms.

The group organizes the content into meaningful segments and then the translator listen to each segment and orally paraphrases it with necessary cultural or linguistic adaptations.

Observer notes how effectively content was culturally adapted and segmented.

5. Internalize & Perform:

The group listen multiple times to different audio or oral performances of a specific Bible story or passage.

The group engages in a conversational exegesis, experiencing the passage deeply with their heart, mind and body.

Translator internalizes the story deeply, practicing severla times with the help of the team. When ready he does an expressive performance (retelling) in their own words, aiming to communicate naturally, emotionally, and engagingly.

Observer evaluates storytelling effectiveness, emotional engagement, audience connection, and cultural sensitivity.

BIBLICAL PASSAGES

Example:

Original passage:

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30)

Paraphrased passage (clear and fully explained):

"If you're tired, stressed, or weighed down by life's struggles, come to me. Partner closely with me—let me guide and teach you. My way is gentle and humble, bringing relief and peace to your spirit. Following my way is not meant to burden you but to make your life lighter."

Here are suggested Bible passages for your group:

1. Read & Translate

Passage: Psalm 23 (Comforting, poetic, easy to segment)

Encourages clear comprehension and simple oral translation.

2. Listen & Translate

Luke 15:11-32 (The Prodigal Son)

Good length, familiar story, clear narrative structure.

Ideal for practicing active listening and real-time conversion.

3. Study & Translate

Matthew 5:3-12 (The Beatitudes)

Requires thoughtful discussion on context, theological meanings, and cultural implications.

Encourages deeper linguistic flexibility and analytical thinking.

4. Internalize & Translate

Psalm 23 (The Lord is My Shepherd)

Deep, symbolic, culturally rich content.

Ideal for internalization, contextual interpretation, and cultural adaptation.

5. Internalize & Perform

Mark 4:35-41 (Jesus Calms the Storm)

Short narrative with strong emotional and dramatic elements.

Excellent for storytelling, emotional engagement, and audience connection.

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Reflection and Feedback

After completing all methods, discuss within your group:

Which method did you find easiest/hardest and why?

Which method required the most linguistic or cognitive effort?

Share any cultural or linguistic insights gained.

Class Debrief

After the exercise, each group will share highlights of their experience with the class. Discuss:

Differences in translation strategies

The value of internalization and storytelling even in the same language

Practical applications of these translation methods outside Bible translation contexts

Objective: This exercise aims to expand your understanding of translation as more than linguistic conversion—highlighting its role in enhancing cognitive, cultural, and communicative skills.

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View the interactive image by Marcia Suzuki - University of the Nations/YWAM

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I also had to upload via YouTube as the file size was too big for Padlet! I forgot to mention this in the video too, but as discussed in our last lecture, I think its sooo cool hearing of all the different ways that people can serve with Bible Translation and the different capacities. I think the fact that it's so easy to help out plays a part into the fact that we are seeing such a global increase in people participating in Bible Translation and working together to end Bible Poverty!

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And here we go, part 2 of Ch. 2

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Better late than never! Here is my sort of robotic part 1 of Chapter 2. Enjoy :)

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… I thought it was a game, like, using “so” as much as possible. =D

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These 2 min video cut offs are telling me that I need to get less chatty.

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I can't upload anything :(

So now I choose to do it also over YouTube!

I have been really enjoying the last session and the OBT vs. OMT video!

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Padlet is still having issues uploading my videos, so I tried to post on YouTube and put the link here!

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Sorry it's late, I had some trouble uploading this for a while, but this was my thoughts from week 5!

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I also ran out of time, forgive me! It was the 6th take so I'll leave you with the cliff hanger..

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OBT or OMT, which one is better for YWAM?

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OBT or OMT, which one is better for YWAM?

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Ch2

Sorry, I'm sideways 😄

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Check out this Presentation (4:3) designed by Marcia Suzuki.

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Chapter 8

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Hi! I wanted to update that my group (Sunshine Coast grads) made a group chat and sent in our recordings to one another. I am personally having an issue getting my file to load on Padlet, so that is why my video is not published on here:(. My group has the evidence I submitted the video, and Audi is in there to confirm👍🏻. If one of the teachers wants the video for grading purposes or to give feedback I can personally email if needed! Thanks!

-Keslyn

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I was the only one who picked chapter 5, so here it goes.

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Cuts off with only a few seconds left of the story :(

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chapter 2 :)

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Yay we love Surarah!

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Time ran out! This was a fun assignment and we enjoyed doing it as a MT team =)

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I did finish telling the story, but the video cut off at the 2 minute mark, so am just going to post it as is.

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Select the chapter you want to practice orality on

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Select the chapter you want to practice orality on

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Going back to the basis of language & communication to show the importance of translation was so interesting!!

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It was eye-opening to see the importance of community and team bonding in the translation process

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Hey class! I’ve tried to upload my video 3-4x now but I can’t get it to work, so I’ll just type my response:)

I really really appreciated his teaching style and how helpful he was breaking down the processes of Oral Bible Translation. I thought it was kind of ironic that I got so much out of his visuals and graphics explaining holistic oral bible translation, because being able to physically see a PowerPoint helps my western mind understand concepts better than hearing it explained audibly. But in the same way, I was truly challenged by the fact that my oral storytelling skills and my retention of stories told to me audibly have some serious lack. When he told the story about how the tribe that he was with had poor homes, but that the people would buy really expensive chairs and patio furniture for their neighbors or even strangers to come and swap stories, i was so moved. They truly understand what it’s like to sit and commune with others. They understand what it’s like to be patient and not do things on an expected timeline. I find myself getting sometimes annoyed when I have to stop for 30 seconds to talk to my neighbor when I’m walking my dog, so I was so humbled by these people and their ability to value listening to others stories for so long. I think this also challenged me in terms of “waiting on the Lord”. I say I do, but in reality

I feel convicted that I truly don’t know patience or how to sit in the silence of waiting to hear God speak. I am so exited to hear more later today and see how God convicts us even more!

I also appreciated how much he emphasized humility again, and how it is NOT “our” project, but Gods project and the translators project. It’s such an honor to even assist in any small way and we should take that with such humility and prayer!

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I kept talking way too long and my video´s were too big to upload, oops hahaa. Glad it finally worked :) I really enjoyed last class!

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So many opportunities....

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The translation and the translation process belongs to the community that wants it!

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This week was awesome! It was great to get into some of how OBT actually works from a process perspective.

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Really enjoyed this lecture!

Also I think it's really interesting for me to think/share more through "Story telling" than other ways, it's so foreign for me but I'm excited to learn more about it!

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Renato is a Brazilian YWAMer and OBT practitioner, who also serves as a Presbyterian Reverend! 🌟 In this picture, he's with his wife Isabela on the right. Flanking them on the left are the Suzukis, and centered are the Chisales. Bishop Chisale is at the helm of the OBT project in Malawi.