Kosena New Testament 1980 Edition (KZEWBT)

Overview

The New Testament in the Kosena Language of Papua New Guinea. Kosena is a Trans-New Guinea language belonging to the Kainantu-Goroka branch, spoken on the border of Okapa District and Kainantu District in the Eastern Highlands Province [1][2]. The Kosena people number approximately 5,900, and their oral history relates that their ancestors originated from the Tairora village, initially settling in the Oiyana valley between Onamuga and Ontenu village before relocating due to tribal warfare during the German New Guinea colonial period [2][3]. Bible portions in Kosena have been available since 1973, and this New Testament was completed in 1980 by Wycliffe Bible Translators, Inc., making it one of the earlier New Testament translations in the Eastern Highlands region [3][4]. The vernacular title, "auna-aimba simai tarumakain-kwasai," identifies the work in the Kosena language [4]. The Kosena language is experiencing decline, with younger generations increasingly using Tok Pisin, and community leaders have identified a critical need for mother-tongue schools to preserve the language [2][3].

Language and People

Kosena (ISO 639-3: kze) is spoken by approximately 2,000 people in Papua New Guinea, Map 10. [Glottolog: kose1239]

Publishing and Organizations

Published by Wycliffe Bible Translators, Inc. Translation type: New.

References