Gumatj Bible (GNNBSA)

Overview

The Gumatj Bible (also known as the Gumatj Shorter Bible) is a Scripture translation for the Gumatj people, one of sixteen Yolngu clans living in and around Yirrkala in north-east Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, Australia [1]. The Gumatj New Testament, launched in 1985 to mark the fiftieth anniversary of the church at Yirrkala, was the first complete New Testament in any Yolngu language [1][2]. The translation team included Joyce, Mutilnga, Gulumbu, and Felicity [1]. Following the New Testament's completion, translation of Old Testament selections began, aided by new computer technology, and a Shorter Old Testament covering approximately 40% of the Old Testament text was published in 1989 by Bible Society of Australia [1][3]. This Shorter Old Testament remains the only such publication in a Yolngu language [1]. The 2017 edition represents a revision of the earlier work, published by Bible Society of Australia [3]. A reprinted Gumatj New Testament was dedicated at the Uniting Church in Yirrkala on the Gove Peninsula in East Arnhem Land [2].

Language and People

Gumatj (ISO 639-3: gnn) is spoken by approximately 120 people in Northern Australia. [Glottolog: guma1253]

Publishing and Organizations

Published by Wycliffe Bible Translators USA. Translation type: Revision.

References