Jola-Fonyi 2011 Edition (DYOBSG)

Overview

The 2011 Jola-Fonyi New Testament is the first Scripture translation in the Jola-Fonyi language, published by the Bible Society in the Gambia, Banjul. [1] Jola-Fonyi is one of the principal Jola (Diola) languages of the Casamance region in southern Senegal and neighboring areas of The Gambia. Missionary work among the Jola peoples of the Casamance began with WEC International (Worldwide Evangelization for Christ), which entered the region in the 1950s to work among the Jola and Balanta peoples. [2] Translation work on several Jola languages has been undertaken by WEC and SIL International. [2]

Language and People

Jola-Fonyi (ISO 639-3: dyo) is spoken by approximately 457,000 people in the Casamance region of southwestern Senegal and in The Gambia. [Glottolog: jola1263] The Jola (also spelled Diola) peoples inhabit the forested lowlands between the Casamance River and the border with Guinea-Bissau, and are known for their rice-farming culture and traditionally decentralized social structure. [3] Jola-Fonyi is the largest of the Jola language group and belongs to the Atlantic branch of the Niger-Congo language family. [3]

Publishing and Organizations

Published by Bible Society in the Gambia, Banjul. Translation type: First. Missionary work in the Casamance region that supported Scripture translation was carried out by WEC International and SIL International. [2]

References