Matthew and Mark in the Saliba language of Papua New Guinea (SBEWBT)

Overview

This volume contains the Gospels of Matthew and Mark in the Saliba language of Papua New Guinea, published in 2007 as early Scripture portions from a translation project that spanned 31 years [1]. Saliba is a Western Oceanic Austronesian language of the Suauic group, spoken on the islands of Saliba and Logea in Milne Bay Province in southeastern Papua New Guinea [2][3]. SIL International served as the primary partner organization for the translation, with four Saliba translators leading the work [1]. The complete Saliba New Testament was eventually dedicated on October 12, 2024, in a ceremony at the United Church congregation at Sawasawaga on Saliba Island, with subsequent celebrations held by the Kwato Church and a Catholic congregation [1]. The language is considered endangered, as most speakers are elders and few children are growing up speaking Saliba, with a shift toward English among younger generations [2][3].

Language and People

Saliba (ISO 639-3: sbe) is spoken by approximately 2,500 people in Papua New Guinea, Map 17. [Glottolog: sali1295]

Publishing and Organizations

Published by Wycliffe Bible Translators USA.

References