New Testament in Achagua (ACAWBT)

Overview

The New Testament in Achagua (vernacular title: Liáꞌa Chuánshi Dios Shínaa) was published by Wycliffe Bible Translators in 2013, representing the culmination of Scripture engagement with this severely endangered Colombian language. [1] Bible portions in Achagua had been available since 1985, with the complete New Testament finalized in 2013 after decades of translation work. [2] Achagua belongs to the Northern Arawakan (Maipurean) language family, closely related to Piapoco, and is spoken in the Meta and Casanare departments of central Colombia, primarily in the indigenous reservation of Umapo and El Turpial in the municipality of Puerto López, with some families also in La Hermosa (Casanare). [3][4] The Achagua were historically one of the most populous tribes in the Orinoco River region, known for intertribal commerce, but since the 18th century they have been strongly affected by colonization and missionary activity. [4] The language is classified by Colombia's Ministry of Culture among the 19 languages in serious danger of extinction; while it is used as a first language by all adults, not all young people speak it, and literacy in Achagua is estimated at only 1–5%. [3][5] The language is today extinct in Venezuela, where it was formerly also spoken. [3]

Language and People

Achagua (ISO 639-3: aca) is spoken by approximately 250 people in Northern Colombia. [Glottolog: acha1250]

Publishing and Organizations

Published by Wycliffe Bible Translators, Inc. Translation type: First.

References