Byabu Thya — Zotung Chin New Testament (Myanmar)
Overview
Byabu Thya ("New Testament" — approximately "New/Additional Words" in Zotung Chin) is the complete New Testament in the Zotung Chin language, published in 2002 by the Myanmar Bible Society and available online through the Myanmar Bible Society's digital platform and a dedicated Android app. Zotung Chin (ISO 639-3: czt; autonym: Zo) is a Kuki-Chin language of the Tibeto-Burman branch, spoken in southern Chin State, Myanmar — one of the smaller Chin language communities distinguished from the more widely spoken Tedim, Falam, Hakha Chin, and Mizo varieties.
Language and People
Zotung Chin (ISO 639-3: czt; autonym: Zo) is a Sino-Tibetan language: Sino-Tibetan → Tibeto-Burman → Kuki-Chin → Zotung branch. The Chin languages of Myanmar represent one of the most diverse language families in Southeast Asia, with over 50 distinct Chin varieties recognized across Chin State and adjacent areas. Zotung is a southern Chin language, related to Khumi (Khumi Awa) and Mru, but forming a distinct cluster within the Chin continuum.
The Zotung community inhabits:
- Southern Chin State, Myanmar — particularly in the Mindat Township area and adjacent areas of the Arakan (Rakhine) State highlands
Estimated speakers: approximately 30,000–50,000 (Ethnologue data for Zotung Chin).
Cultural Context
The Chin people of Myanmar are overwhelmingly Christian, primarily Baptist and Presbyterian, following 19th-century American Baptist Mission work. Chin State is one of Myanmar's most impoverished states, with significant barriers to literacy and scripture access; the 2002 Zotung NT represents the Myanmar Bible Society's effort to reach even small Chin language communities. A print edition of John from the historic DBS archive demonstrates the longer history of Zotung scripture work.
Publishing and Organizations
Published by the Myanmar Bible Society (myanmarbiblesociety.org), the United Bible Societies affiliate for Myanmar. A digital Android app is also available.