Baki New Testament (BKIWBT)

Overview

Baki is an Austronesian language spoken on Epi Island in the Shepherds group of Vanuatu, an archipelago nation in the southwestern Pacific with approximately 110 distinct living languages across 83 islands. [1] The Baki-speaking community numbers around 350 people, making it one of the smaller language groups in Vanuatu to receive a complete New Testament. [2] Translation work for Baki was carried out over several decades by a team of ni-Vanuatu translators alongside Dr. Robert Early, an SIL linguist who served as translation advisor for Epi Island languages (including Lewo, Lamen, and Baki) for more than 30 years. [3] The vernacular title "Verikariano Vou Na Baki" was completed and published in 2016 by Wycliffe Bible Translators, Inc.; the project endured significant loss when both the first and second local translators, including Pastor Korah, died before seeing the work dedicated, but elder community members such as Grandma Sese lived to witness its completion. [4] The New Testament was printed by the Bible Society in Korea and dedicated to the Baki community on Epi Island. [3]

Language and People

Baki (ISO 639-3: bki) is spoken by approximately 350 people in Vanuatu. [Glottolog: baki1244]

Publishing and Organizations

Published by Wycliffe Bible Translators USA.

References