South Central Banda New Testament (LNLWBT)
Overview
The South Central Banda New Testament, titled "Mbeti Ndjapa: TAFO MADI" in the vernacular, is a translation of the New Testament into the South Central Banda language (also known as Banda-Ngbugu, Langba, or Ngbougou), spoken by approximately 235,000 people across the Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of the Congo [1][2]. The Banda-Ngbugu people live primarily in the Basse-Kotto and Mbomou prefectures of the Central African Republic, in areas including Mobaye, Kembe, Mingala, Alindao, and Gambo-Ouango [1]. Bible portions in the language were first published in 1999, and the New Testament was completed in 2020 and published in 2021 by Wycliffe Bible Translators [1][2]. The Banda are the largest ethnic group in the Central African Republic, divided into at least eleven subgroups by dialect, with the South Central Banda representing one of the major dialect communities [3].
Language and People
South Central Banda (ISO 639-3: lnl) is spoken by approximately 153,000 people in Central African Republic. [Glottolog: sout2787]
Publishing and Organizations
Published by Wycliffe Bible Translators USA.
References
- [1] Banda-Ngbugu in Central African Republic - Joshua Project. People group profile with population, location, religion, and Bible translation status.
- [2] Banda, South Central language resources - Joshua Project. Language overview with speaker population and Scripture availability details.
- [3] Banda, Mid-Southern in Central African Republic - Joshua Project. Context on the broader Banda people group and its subgroups in the CAR.
- Mbëtï Ndjapä: TÄFO MADƗ̈ - Online text, Wycliffe Bible Translators, Inc.
- Global Bible Catalogue - Global Bible Catalogue entry.
- ebible.org entry - ebible.org.