Chamorro Gospels, Acts, and Psalms (CHACHA)

Overview

Issued under the title "Y Cuatro Ebangelio Sija Yan Y Checho Y Apostoles Sija" and forming part of "Y Santa Biblia," this 1908 edition contains the four Gospels, the Acts of the Apostles, and the Psalms in the Chamorro language, published by the American Bible Society. [1] The translation was produced by Rev. Francis Marion Price (1850–1937), a Congregationalist missionary and graduate of Oberlin Theological Seminary, who was fluent in Chamorro as well as Hebrew and Greek. [2] Price translated directly from the Westcott-Hort Greek text, working with the assistance of several Chamorro speakers including Jose and Luis Castro 'Custino', Jose Mendiola Taitano, and other community members. [2] Approximately 1,000 copies were printed in the initial 1908 run, and a reprint was issued in 2006. [1] The five New Testament books—the four Gospels and Acts—were later reprinted in 1951. This is one of the earliest substantial Scripture translations in Chamorro, an indigenous Austronesian language of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands.

Language and People

Chamorro (ISO 639-3: cha) is spoken by approximately 64,300 people in Guam and Northern Mariana Islands. [Glottolog: cham1312]

Publishing and Organizations

Published by American Bible Society.

References