FAQ

The VMS department was created in 1993.

Currently, more than 50 volunteers and career missionaries with Wycliffe Bible Translators work with VMS.

We provide services to translation programs worldwide. Much of our work is done in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas and the Pacific, where many Wycliffe Bible Translators projects are underway.

Yes. To speed the creation of Scripture-focused media tools, we partner with many outside organizations. For instance, Campus Crusade for Christ has given us the right to translate the JESUS film for language groups of less than 250,000 people. We also partner with Faith Comes By Hearing, Trans World Radio and other like-minded organizations.

Yes. Often, local people are key partners in VMS projects. For instance, local people often work hand-in-hand with our media specialists to record audio for new translations of the JESUS film.

Campus Crusades for Christ has given VMS the right to translate the JESUS film for language groups of less than 250,000 people. During the last 10 years, we have dubbed 117 languages into the JESUS film.

Since the mid-1990s, we have helped dub:

• 117 languages into the JESUS film.
• 236 languages into Luke.
• 83 languages into some or all of Genesis.
• 11 languages into Acts.
• 6 languages into God’s Story.
• 1 language into The Hope.

Some languages were dubbed into more than one video; the above projects represent 363 language groups in 34 countries.

We use a variety of media tools, depending on the language programs and communities we are working with. We use both traditional media tools, such as storytelling, songs and flannelgraphs; and modern media tools, such as audio and video.

Before we choose particular media tools, we study the specific language group and evaluate their communication needs. Then, based on our analysis, we create a custom blend of media tools that will best speak to that language group. Some factors we evaluate are:

• The unique characteristics of the language community.
• The goals of the language program or ministry.
• The needs and attitudes of the intended audience.
• The characteristics and availability of each media option.

“Vernacular” refers to a person's everyday language—what he or she has grown up speaking. It is the language a person understands best, sometimes referred to as his or her “heart language.”

No. In many cases, vernacular media sparks interest in literacy. In oral societies, many people are not accustomed to reading and writing, and literacy may not be valued right away. Yet often, when people see media in their own language, they become interested in learning to read and write.

The VMS Certification Course is a 14-week program that trains students to create culturally appropriate media tools. The course is held at the JAARS Center in Waxhaw, N.C., and is divided into three sections:

• Sociolinguistics and media issues relating specifically to language programs (one week).
• Strategic planning for creating effective media programs in cross-cultural situations (three weeks).
• Technical training for audio recording, postproduction and equipment maintenance (10 weeks).

The course is open to anyone who has an interest in working with vernacular media, especially as it relates to oral societies. We require that trainees have basic mechanical and interpersonal skills. We do not require previous experience, yet training in electronics, communications or music is helpful.

A Vernacular Media Specialist is someone who has completed the 14-week VMS Certification Course and is serving with the Wycliffe Bible Translators family of organizations. He or she guides language teams in the use of vernacular media and provides technical assistance for media projects.

Our greatest current need is for volunteers and career missionaries with Wycliffe Bible Translators to coordinate VMS projects worldwide. If you are interested in serving with VMS, please submit our online contact form.

Due to the extensive training involved for VMS projects, we do not typically accept short-term volunteers.

Yes. We would be happy to work with you to find a volunteer position that matches your gifts, knowledge and personality. For more information about serving with VMS, please submit our online contact form.