An Experiment in Oral Scripture Adaptation part 1

The advance of globalization among the minority languages of the world is rapidly changing the landscape of Bible translation. Though a complete written Bible is a worthy goal, in some cases the declining vitality of minority languages and lack of mother-tongue literacy make this approach impractical. By the time the completed Bible is published, there may be few left to read it. Facing this reality among the Fang people of Equatorial Guinea and observing a very low interest in the existing written Fang New Testament (NT), we began an experimental oral adaptation of portions of the Old Testament (OT). Narrative passages of the OT were translated orally from Spanish into Fang by a gifted storyteller, and presented in the traditional Fang troubadour style, called mvét oyeng, including traditional music and rhythms. The resulting recordings have been positively received by the community, and we offer this detailed project report as an alternative and innovative model for other language groups who may be facing similar circumstances.

For those of you who are interested, this is what the mvét oyeng instrument looks like.

Music by Canuto Ngui "Nfumayong" from Equatorial Guinea.

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