Lambadi Common Language Version (LMNBSI)

Overview

The Lambani (also called Lambadi, Banjara, or Gor) are a community of over 4.5 million people in India, originally nomadic tribes from Afghanistan who migrated through Rajasthan and spread across Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra. The community has a strong oral tradition, a distinctive embroidery craft heritage, and traditional occupations encompassing agriculture, animal husbandry, salt trading, and construction work.

IBT India undertook translation work for the Lambani community, resulting in the Lambadi Common Language Version New Testament (2018). This translation was produced with the goal of reaching the Lambani community in accessible, contemporary language. The translation is available in print (both the Gospel of John and the full NT) as well as through the Faith Comes By Hearing app. The earlier audio Bible Stories resource (LMNLBS, 2015) complements this written New Testament by serving oral learners in the community.

Language and People

Lambadi (ISO 639-3: lmn) is an Indo-Aryan language spoken by over 4.5 million people across multiple Indian states, primarily Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. It is also known as Gor-boli. The language is written in the Telugu script in some regions.

Publishing and Organizations

Published by Bible Society of India, 2018.

References