The New Testament in Shwe Palaung (PLLEBL)

Overview

This is a 2025 publication containing the Gospel of Mark in Shwe Palaung, published by The Word for the World International. Despite the title referencing "The New Testament," this edition contains only the Gospel of Mark. Shwe Palaung (also called Golden Palaung) is spoken by approximately 234,000 people in Myanmar, primarily in Namhsan Township in the Palaung Self-Administered Zone and Kyuakme Township of Shan State. [1] Bible portions in Shwe Palaung became available in 2024, representing the first published scripture in this language; no complete New Testament or full Bible has yet been produced. [1] The Shwe Palaung people are predominantly Theravada Buddhist, with a very small Christian minority estimated at under 2%. [1]

Language and People

Shwe Palaung is a Mon-Khmer language of the Palaungic branch, spoken in the mountainous regions of northern Shan State in Myanmar. [1] The global Shwe Palaung population is approximately 242,000, with the majority in Myanmar and a smaller community of about 7,900 in China. [1] The language has a written form and published materials exist, though literacy resources remain limited.

References