Overview
Held from November 11-22, 2024, the Local Arts and Psalms Translation Workshop—organized by Scriptura in collaboration with Wycliffe Benin and Translation Toward Transformation—was a significant step in advancing Bible translation and promoting indigenous music in worship. This initiative focused on translating Psalms into the Incà language while integrating ethnomusicology, allowing musicians from the community to compose songs using their local rhythms and instruments while translators created oral translations of the psalms at the same time.
Workshop Activities & Engagement
Participants engaged deeply with Psalms 1, 6, 118, and 150 (four different psalm genres), using internalization and Layer by Layer materials for better understanding. While initial concerns were raised about potential participant fatigue, the interactive elements, including gestures, humor, and group discussions, helped sustain high engagement levels. The facilitators were praised for keeping the workshop dynamic and engaging, particularly for older participants.
After internalizing each psalm with a Scriptura facilitator and LbL materials, the translation team successfully orally translated these psalms, while at the same time musicians composed songs of the psalms, with both groups expressing joy and fulfillment in the process. They highlighted both strengths and challenges, such as:
- Strengths: A greater emotional connection to the Psalms, improved understanding, and effective visualization of biblical narratives.
- Challenges: Difficulties in understanding certain expressions, identifying instrument names in the Incà language, and understanding some poetic structures.
Impact of Ethnomusicology
A major highlight of the workshop was the integration of music into the translation process. By composing songs based on the Psalms, participants experienced Scripture in a more practical and interactive way. This approach also addressed the gap in worship music, where many churches in Benin continue to sing in French or English, making it difficult for local congregations to fully connect with the lyrics.
Challenges & Recommendations
Participants faced translation complexities, particularly in preserving the poetic integrity of the Psalms. Limited French-language resources for Psalms translation was a key concern, with a strong recommendation to translate Scriptura’s materials into Frenchfor broader accessibility.
Future workshops should include:
- More use of short skits or visual aids to enhance understanding.
- More frequent breaks to prevent fatigue.
- Smaller discussion groups for deeper engagement.
Conclusion & Call to Action
The workshop demonstrated the transformative power of Psalm translation and musical integration, making Scripture more accessible and deeply rooted in local culture. Both Scriptura and Wycliffe Benin emphasized the need for continued funding to expand Psalms translation projects. Translators expressed eagerness to complete the entire book of Psalms, seeing its immediate impact on worship and community engagement. After the first week of the workshop, churches in the area were already singing these songs! And Bio is monitoring the continued and spreading use of these songs in worship in churches throughout Bante, Benin.
Donors and supporters are encouraged to prioritize Psalms translation, as it quickly integrates into worship practices, fostering spiritual growth and Bible engagement in indigenous languages.
