In an article in the Straits Times on 27 Mar 2022, More learning Chinese dialects to connect with seniors or embrace cultural identity, it was reported that a growing number of Singaporeans are learning to speak Chinese dialects.
One of the major dialects spoken in Singapore is Teochew. In early 2021, Wycliffe Singapore launched a Teochew storying project to retell Bible stories in colloquial Teochew. It is hoped that this will improve access to Bible stories to Teochew speakers, especially those who cannot read or understand the Bible in Mandarin well.
The project team has met about once a month over the past year or so, crafting, testing and revising selected Bible stories. The aim is to use these stories in Story Fellowship Groups, where Bible stories are shared and discussed, and listeners can learn to retell the stories to others. This is a great way to share Bible stories with pre-believing friends and relatives, and introduce Jesus to them in a non-threatening way.
Listen to 3 of the Teochew Bible Stories that have been crafted and recorded:
1. Healing a blind man at Jericho (Luke 18:35-43)
2. The birth of Jesus foretold to Mary (Luke 1:26-38)
3. Joseph accepts Jesus as his son (Matthew 1:18-25)
If you or someone you know is interested in participating in this ministry, or finding out more about oral Bible storying, contact us.
Read more about oral storying: