A three-year training program will prepare local translators across Southeast Asia to put the Bible into spoken forms—like storytelling and song—for communities that share knowledge by voice, not writing. Three workshops will build translators’ skills from basic to advanced to mentoring, so at least 20 participants gain local expertise.
Project Name: Training Oral Translators Across Southeast Asia
Implementing Organization: Wycliffe Global Alliance
Contact:
Evelyn Gan
Consultant for Oral Translation Programmes
Wycliffe Global Alliance
Start date: FY 2026
End date: FY 2028
Summary
Across Southeast Asia, many communities pass along their culture through spoken word—storytelling, song, and drama—rather than through reading and writing. For them, hearing the Bible in these natural forms often connects more deeply than a printed text.
Oral Bible Translation is expanding rapidly in Southeast Asia, but the region lacks enough trained people to sustain it. Seminary graduates know the Bible but not oral translation. Practitioners already working need a path to advance their skills. And almost no one is ready to step into consultant roles. Without urgent, structured training, this shortage could stall Oral Bible Translation projects across the region.
This three-year project will trains local translators and seminary students in oral Bible translation. Participants move through three stages: a foundation workshop, an advanced workshop and consultant-level training, with only those who show strong skills advancing to the next stage. Our goal is for at least 20 participants, with a smaller group becoming fully qualified to guide future translation projects. Half of the trainers will themselves be new, gaining experience so the program can continue and grow after this project ends.
By working in collaboration with Wycliffe Thai Foundation, Wycliffe Malaysia, YWAM Chiang Mai, FCBH, Spoken Worldwide and CRU, the project is rooted in strong partnerships that will ensure sustainability and local ownership.
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Budget
Total need (in USD): $147,277
Contributions received / pledged: $36,677
Balance needed: $110,600
To learn more about this funding opportunity, email Evelyn Gan,
Consultant for Oral Translation Programmes, Wycliffe Global Alliance: evelyn_gan@wycliffe.net
