Oral Bible translation as a means of enhancing Bible engagement in oral communities: a survey of rural congregations of the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian, Nkhoma Synod, in Malawi

Abstract

More than one hundred years of Bible translation in Malawi with a primary focus on the production of written versions has left behind those who have an oral orientation, negatively affecting Bible engagement in most rural communities. This study reports on a survey that was done in rural congregations of the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian, Nkhoma Synod, in Malawi, on the levels of Bible engagement and the viability of oral Bible translation. Before presenting the results of the survey, the study appraises the history of Bible translation in Malawi for the purpose of highlighting the communication gap left by written Bible translations. A discussion of both scholarly and biblical materials establishes the need for oral Bible translation.