The first Liyagawumirr Scripture, and a bit more Rembarrnga

Liyagawumirr is a Yolngu language from north-east Arnhem Land which is closely related to Djambarrpuyngu. Djambarrpuyngu is the most widely spoken Yolngu language and it already has the New Testament translated. Even though Liyagawumirr is linguistically very similar, it belongs to a different clan, so the Liyagawumirr people want to translate Scriptures into their own language. Two Liyagawumirr ladies are adapting the Djambarrpuyngu translation of Luke into Liyagawumirr, and I worked with them when they were last in Darwin to finish the process for a short passage about Jesus' birth. We then had it checked by a qualified translation consultant, and I was able to go through his questions with another lady, Milminydjarrk (Helen), last week (pictured below with the final translation).

Rembarranga, which also has this passage translated, will soon also have a parable from Matthew. Bible Society, along with some of my colleagues, recently ran an oral Bible translation workshop for Matthew 13:47-50.

Here is a drama of the draft translation.

Give thanks for people's enthusiasm to have Scripture in their clan's language, and please pray that people will be using the Scripture available.