Chinantec, Tlacoatzintepec (also called Chinanteco del Noroeste or Jau jmai) is a tonal Oto-Manguean language spoken by approximately 2,300 people in the Chinantla region of Oaxaca, Mexico. The Chinantec language family comprises more than a dozen mutually unintelligible varieties spread across the rugged Sierra Juarez mountains, and Tlacoatzintepec Chinantec is one of the smaller and more isolated members of this group. Wycliffe Bible Translators (operating through SIL Mexico) has been engaged in Scripture translation and literacy work across the Chinantla for decades. Bible portions for this variety have been produced from 1980 through 2022, representing over forty years of engagement with this community. The audio recordings available through Faith Comes By Hearing give Tlacoatzintepec Chinantec speakers access to Scripture in their native tonal language, which is particularly significant since the oral transmission of language and culture is central to Chinantec community life. The Jesus Film has also been produced in this variety. Despite the community being significantly reached with Christianity, the availability of Scripture in the mother tongue supports deeper faith formation and discipleship.
Faith Comes By Hearing