Bible Society launches New Testament in two indigenous languages
A first-ever translation of the New Testament in Dhimba, and a revised edition of the New Testament in Khoikhoigowab are to be launched this week Friday and next weekend, in Ruacana and Windhoek respectively. The Bible Society of Namibia said earlier this week “For the very first time, the New Testament of the Bible is now available in the Dhimba language.
These New Testaments are available at the Bible Shops in Windhoek and Ongwediva. The official launch of the Dhimba New Testaments takes place this Friday and Saturday, 24 and 25 January at the Ruacana sports stadium. On Saturday 2 February, the new revised version of the Elobmîs, the old translation of the Bible in Khoikhoigowab will be launched! This will take place in Katutura at a special service of the Lutheran Church (ELCRN), Tanidare Congregation. “What makes this Bible special is the fact that it is written in the new, standard orthography. This translation project was started in 1982 and only completed last year, in 2013” according to Valerie Isaaks of the Bible Society. Changing the orthography of the Bible in Khoikhoigowab had such a major impact that it required a re-translation. Older readers battle to follow the new way of writing while younger readers are completely unfamiliar with the old writing. The launch of the New Testament in Dhimba starts on Saturday afternoon with a service conducted by no less than five church leaders. They are Bishop Shanghala, Rev D Angula, Rev Maria Amukaka, Rev Aina Amupala and Bishop Kaulinge. The celebrations on Saturday carry on until 22:00 with an address by the Mayor of Ruacana, HE A Shintama, and a speech by Mr Kaulangoma. The festivities continue on Saturday from 09:00 to 16:00 including amongst others, a background to the translation by Rev. J. Tolu. This is followed by the official handing-over ceremony when the Bible Society director, the Reverend Barnie van der Walt, presents the congregation with the first copy of the New Testament in Dhimba.
