Render is software that supports Oral Bible Translation. Translation starts through loading into Render one or more audio recordings of Scripture in related languages or languages of wider communication. These recordings serve as the source text for the target language translation. Users listen to the reference translation(s)—translations in other languages the translators know—until they understand them well. They then translate the texts orally into their own language and record them in the Render software.
This May Be a Good Tool For Your Community If:
The language community is mostly an oral group and the people learn best through oral communication, Render may be a good solution for an oral translation. It is also a good alternative solution if there is no orthography available in the language, or if a written translation poses challenges for the translation team.
If you need help to find out if your language community fits this description, the explore process is there to help you.
Website: RenderPartners.com
How This Works
The first step is for the Faith Comes By Hearing technicians to prepare the audio references (source language audio translations) and import them into Render. Once that is complete and after the Mother Tongue Translators have been trained in translation principles and in how to use Render, they are ready to start translating. They listen to a verse or section in the reference translation(s) and record an audio translation in Render. These recordings are reviewed by other Mother Tongue Translators before being checked by the community. At each review or checking step, changes can be made to improve the translation. After the community check, a qualified Translation Consultant checks the translation. After the consultant approves the translation, it is ready for distribution.
Finer Details
The Render process requires a qualified Translation Advisor and a Translation Consultant to help with exegesis, internalization, and accuracy of key terms. Render acts as a file management system, sending and receiving audio files between users. This system allows for a seamless workflow for the translation team. Internet access is not a necessity although it is recommended to at least occasionally connect to the internet in order to sync the project. This creates a back up for the project and gives the Render technicians access to the competed audio files. All projects must develop and follow a specific project timeline in order to ensure that everything is set up and ready before the requested start date.
While there are many things to consider for each unique situation, here are some basic guidelines and things to consider:
Financial cost: Faith Comes By Hearing provides the Render Software, ongoing Render support for the life of the project, training in Render and Oral Bible Translation principles, and distribution help.
Translation Method: This is an oral approach using audio references in a related language or language of wider communication that is understood by the Mother Tongue Translators.
References: It takes a minimum of 8 weeks to set up a Render project after the permissions have been secured to use an audio version as a reference for your Render project.
What personnel are needed to bring this resource to fruition, (make the resource available in another language)?
An in-country Project Coordinator, 2-6 Mother Tongue Speakers, Translation Advisor, Translation Consultant, Administrator, Back Translator, Community Members.
What kind of technical expertise is needed to adapt this resource to your situation?
Minimal, although it is recommended that someone is available to help with non-Render computer issues.
How much time is required to do all the work required to bring the resource to completion?
Full time or in 3-week workshops throughout the year.
What sort of logistical setting is needed? (e.g. quiet space for recording, good Internet access)
Varies per project based on team setup and dynamics, but generally a minimum of 6 Windows laptop/tablet computers (unless some people already have them), 4 headset mics, 2 external speakers, a hard drive, a flash drive, and a router. One quiet room for each translation team.
What challenges or difficulties are there using this resource?
One major challenge today is using Render in sensitive areas where it is difficult to have multiple people come together and do an oral recording of the Bible.
How To Get Started
You can go to the following page to contact the Render partners, or you can contact Stephanie Jose, the Render Project Coordinator, for initial questions and comments. Next, fill out an official Project Request Form from our website and we will contact you about details, logistics, and next steps.
Distribution Methods
Faith Comes By Hearing asks at the beginning of any project if our partner would like help with distribution. If the answer is yes, they can provide them with SD Cards, Proclaimers and other useful tools to assist in getting God’s Word out to the community. They also work with local partners to develop strategies for ongoing listening groups.