Translation Topics - #1

Three important developments

Kriol -  spoken in Northern Australia (parts of NT and WA)

Translation Workshop

Successful checking workshop concluded April 8.  The books of Genesis, Exodus, Acts, Hebrews and Revelation were read and reviewed.  These books are all part of the present Kriol Bible, which contains the New Testament and 14 Old Testament Books, that was published in 1991.  In November 2004 the Kriol team completed the checking of the new translations of the other 25 Old Testament Books.  The review is designed to revise and update the original translations some of which was made over 20 years ago.  A further workshop is planned for July at which we anticipate the reading of the remaining Old Testament books will be completed.

Translators lead Bible Studies Over Easter and in the following week the Kriol translators at Minyerri lead a series of bible studies based on the Kriol Bible.  These were well received and attended by large numbers of community members.  This has included Michael and Julie Miller, Roy and Estelle Farrer, Tom Hume and Esther Wilfred. They are now doing studies on baptism and some of the candidates will be baptised over the ANZAC Day weekend.

Wubuy (Nunggubuyu) – spoken at Numbulwar on the Gulf of Carpentaria

Translation and checking progress

The mini bible with most of the New Testament and Genesis 1-11 and Ruth was published in 1991.  Over the last 5 years the translators have completed a draft translation of the Old Testament.  Michael and Margaret Hore exercise a ‘tent making’ ministry supporting the Wubuy translators.  During a recent visit to the community they worked with the translators to check 1 Corinthians, Joel and parts of Matthew.

Translator accepts leadership role in the church. In February, one of the translators Yulki Nunggumajbarr was ordained as a deacon (minister) in the church at Numbulwar.  For Yulki this was the  fulfillment of a dream she has had of serving God in this way for 20 years.  Bishop Philip Freier conducted the ordination service in Wubuy.  Yulki will work alongside Rev Peter Gundu to encourage people to grow in their walk with Jesus. The people at Numbulwar show many signs of spiritual growth and are enthusiastic about the translation of the scriptures into Wubuy, their language. It is a great encouragement to see the growth of the church at Numbulwar.   A feature of Yulki’s recent ministry has been in the leadership of Bible Studies.  Several languages are spoken at Numbulwar by the different groups resident in the community.  Yulki has encouraged the use of scriptures in the three main languages: Wubuy, Kriol and English.  She has also coordinated the attendance of local Christians at theological training at Nungalinya College.

Djambarrpuyngu – spoken at Elcho Island off the North Coast of Arnhem Land.

The translation team has recently completed the translation of the New Testament.  Bible Society Editor and Typesetter, Jim Nichterlein visited the translation team from April 4 to 8.  He was able to discuss with them what needs to be done to prepare the translation for publication.  This includes a spelling check using special software developed by the Summer Institute of Linguistics and used with the assistance a Uniting Church linguistic researcher and writing appropriate introductions to the books.

PRAISE

Successful Kriol Workshop, Ministry of Bible Translators at Numbulwar and Minyerri

PRAYER

Continued review of Kriol Bible, completion of NT in Djambarrpuyngu

For further information, please contact:

Coordinator Translation and Text,

Phone/fax 08 89481642,

email pcarroll@bible.com.au

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