Northern Subanen New Testament (STBWBT)

Overview

The Northern Subanen New Testament, titled Sug Begu Ne Keligenan, was published in 2011 by Wycliffe Bible Translators in collaboration with the Bible League and the Philippine Bible Society [1][2]. Northern Subanen (also spelled Subanun or Subano) is an Austronesian language of the Subanen branch, spoken by approximately 85,400 people in the Zamboanga Peninsula region of western Mindanao, particularly in the provinces of Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga Sibugay [3][4]. The Subanen people are considered among the earliest inhabitants of the island of Mindanao, with a presence predating 500 BC; their name derives from the root word suba ("river"), reflecting their traditional settlement pattern along riverbanks and waterways [4][5]. The Subanen are known for their distinctive cultural traditions, including the buklog, a ritual of thanksgiving featuring a large dancing platform and sounding board that has been recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage [4]. Translation and literacy work among the various Subanen language groups has been a significant focus of Wycliffe Bible Translators Philippines since the organization began work in the country in the 1950s [6].

Language and People

Northern Subanen (ISO 639-3: stb) is spoken by approximately 85,400 people in Southern Philippines. [Glottolog: nort2885]

Publishing and Organizations

Published by WBT, BL, and Philippine BS, Quezon City. Translation type: First.

References