Label Mark (LBBWBT)

Overview

The Gospel According to Mark in the Label language of Papua New Guinea. Label is a small Oceanic language of the Meso-Melanesian branch of the Austronesian family, spoken on the southwest coast of New Ireland [1][2]. The language is severely endangered, with estimates ranging from 140 to 500 speakers; a 2005 assessment placed the number at approximately 300 [1][2]. Label was historically an oral-only language with no writing system, and an alphabet had to be created as part of the Bible translation effort [3][4]. This publication of the Gospel of Mark in 2012 by Wycliffe Bible Translators, Inc. represented an early stage of the translation project [5]. The broader Label New Testament was subsequently completed and dedicated on 24 November 2024 by Wycliffe Bible Translators Australia, with a community celebration that included speeches, prayers, dancing, and a devotional message [3][4]. The translation project is credited with helping to revitalize the language, which had earlier been deemed "not viable" by some assessments [4].

Language and People

Label (ISO 639-3: lbb) is spoken by approximately 150 people in Papua New Guinea, Map 2. [Glottolog: labe1239]

Publishing and Organizations

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

References