Pictured here are the Nyole translators holding
Mariko, the Gospel of Mark in Lunyole. (Uganda)

Translation Work Begins in the Nyole Language

The Lunyole Bible Translation Committee, a locally driven organization with representatives from all church denominations in the area, was formed several years ago. In their vision to have the Word of God in their own language they identified three qualified individuals for the Bible translation task:

• Rev. Enoch W. (project leader, with a Master of Arts in Translation Studies)
• Pastor Aristarchus G (with a BA in Theology, currently studying for a Mastor of Arts in Translation Studies).
• Mrs. Gertrude N. (BA in English Literature).

Full-time translation work began in 2005. The goal of the project is to translate the New Testament in eight years while simultaneously promoting the use of the translated Scriptures among the churches in the Nyole area.

The first New Testament book, the Gospel of Mark, was dedicated in August 2006.

Translation Collaboration

The Gwere and Nyole translation teams have been working together in Entebbe in order to speed translation in their respective languages.The teams have the benefit of working together as they translate Scripture in their own respective languages. The teams have been attending a series of workshops designed to both check their work and train them for further translation. This arrangement has been most beneficial in encouraging them in their work and facilitating discussion as they translate the same texts.

Literacy Work

Lunyole Literacy Supervisor Joel M. is presently working with Robin R., a Wycliffe Literacy Supervisor, and Ryan O., a Wycliffe Literacy Specialist. Two more local literacy workers have been identified: Peter M. and George M. and are in the process of receiving literacy training.

The Nyole project has conducted numerous literacy courses and writers workshops to train literacy teachers who will in turn teach both adults and children to read Lunyole. They are currently planning on running another writer's workshop so there will be more materials for those who have become literate.