This article explores orality in the context of West African Christian women's voices, arguing that their oral expressions highlight their lived faith experiences and function as a significant resource within the study of Christianity in Africa. The article first outlines concepts of orality in relation to gender, spirituality, language, and community engagement. We argue that women's oral contributions are a rich source of insight into West African Christian spirituality but are predominantly marginalised from more formal theological discourse. We further note that orality is not a stepping-stone to formal academic discourse but is instead an equal and important counterpoint requiring attention. These concepts are elucidated through two ethnographic case studies. The first engages Afua Kuma, a non-literate Ghanaian oral artist who adapted chiefly praises for Christologically centred prayers. The second focuses on Hannah (not her real name), a well-educated Nigerian woman living with a disability, for whom singing proved spiritually transformative. We conclude with some of the challenges and benefits of engaging orality.

中文翻译：

---

口语、性别和西非基督教灵性：探索女性的声音

本文探讨了西非基督教女性声音背景下的口头表达，认为她们的口头表达突出了她们的生活信仰经历，并作为非洲基督教研究中的重要资源发挥作用​​。文章首先概述了与性别、灵性、语言和社区参与相关的口语概念。我们认为，女性的口头贡献是深入了解西非基督教灵性的丰富来源，但在更正式的神学话语中却主要被边缘化了。我们进一步注意到，口头表达不是正式学术话语的垫脚石，而是一个同等重要的对位点，需要引起注意。这些概念通过两个民族志案例研究得到阐明。第一个与 Afua Kuma 交战，一位不识字的加纳口头艺术家，主要改编以基督论为中心的祈祷赞美。第二个重点是汉娜（不是她的真名），一位受过良好教育的尼日利亚残疾妇女，唱歌证明了她的精神变革。我们总结了参与口头交流的一些挑战和好处。