Barai Bible Portions (BBBWBT)

Overview

The Barai Bible Portions (1994) contains Genesis, Exodus, Numbers, Joshua, Ruth, Nehemiah, Jonah, and the complete New Testament in Barai (ISO 639-3: bbb), a Papuan language spoken by approximately 3,000–3,500 people in a mountainous area in the shadows of the Owen Stanley Range in Papua New Guinea. [1] Foundational linguistic work on Barai was conducted by Americans Michael L. Olson, who published "Barai Grammar Highlights" in 1975 and a doctoral thesis on Barai clause structure at the Australian National University in 1981, and Donna Olson, who authored works on Barai New Testament portions in 1978. [2] Australian Wycliffe members Peter and Bev Evans began assisting the Barai in literacy and translation work in 1977; the New Testament was eventually completed in partnership with trained Barai co-translators affiliated with the Bible Translation Association (BTA) of Papua New Guinea. [3] The Barai New Testament dedication on July 8, 1995, was celebrated by Wycliffe Bible Translators as its 400th language New Testament — a milestone that highlighted the acceleration of global translation efforts. [4] A revised and enlarged edition incorporating the Old Testament portions was published in 2006 (copyright 1994, 2006).

Language and People

Barai (ISO 639-3: bbb) is spoken by approximately 3,500 people in Papua New Guinea, Map 16. [Glottolog: nucl1630]

Publishing and Organizations

Published by BL, South Holland, IL. Translation type: First.

References

  1. Barai in Papua New Guinea – Joshua Project - People group profile
  2. Barai grammar highlights – SIL PNG - Michael L. Olson, 1975
  3. Wycliffe Completes 400th Language New Testament – Mission Frontiers (archived) - Milestone report
  4. Wycliffe Completes 400th Language New Testament – Mission Frontiers (archived) - 400th New Testament milestone, July 8, 1995