Balantak New Testament (BLZLAI)

Overview

The Balantak New Testament, titled Kitap molinas men ringkat na alaata'ala: perjanjian baru, was published in 2010 by the Indonesian Bible Society (Lembaga Alkitab Indonesia). The translation was produced with the assistance of Wycliffe Bible Translators and represents the first Scripture translation into the Balantak language. [1] Balantak is an Austronesian language of the Saluan-Banggai branch spoken in the Banggai Regency of Central Sulawesi. [2] The Balantak people are one of the major ethnic groups in Banggai Regency, relying primarily on agriculture including rice cultivation and coconut farming. [3]

Language and People

Balantak (ISO 639-3: blz) is spoken by approximately 30,000 people in the Balantak, Balantak Selatan, Lamala, and Masam subdistricts of Banggai Regency, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia. [2] Although approximately 90% of the population are also proficient in Indonesian, the vernacular remains vigorously used in everyday contexts, and most children speak only Balantak before entering school. [4] The language is written in the Latin alphabet. The Balantak community has developed resources to preserve the language, including an electronic Balantak-Indonesian dictionary launched in 2017. [4] [Glottolog: bala1315]

Publishing and Organizations

Published by Indonesian BS, Jakarta. Translation type: First.

References