Kalam New Testament (KMHWBT)

Overview

The Kalam New Testament, titled Kalam Baybol Buk Gor minim nuk kisin angayak in the vernacular, was first published in 1992 by Wycliffe Bible Translators as the first New Testament translation in the Kalam language [1]. Kalam (also known as Aforo or Karam) is a Trans-New Guinea language spoken by approximately 20,000 people in the remote mountainous regions at the junctions of the Bismarck and Schrader Ranges in Madang Province and Western Highlands Province, Papua New Guinea [2][3]. The language has two major dialects: Etp Mnm, with approximately 20,000 speakers centered in the Upper Kaironk and Upper Simbai Valleys, and Ti Mnm, with approximately 5,000 speakers in the Asai Valley [2]. Orthographies for Kalam were developed to support literacy and Bible translation efforts, using conventions adapted to the language's phonological system [2]. A separate translation in the Minimib dialect was later published in 2008 (KMHMKB), reflecting dialect differences significant enough to require an additional version [3].

Language and People

Kalam (ISO 639-3: kmh) is spoken by approximately 20,000 people in Papua New Guinea, Map 6. [Glottolog: kala1404]

Publishing and Organizations

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

References