Lewo 2016 Edition (LWWWBT)

Overview

The Lewo New Testament, titled "Lologena Wo Kienane Yesu Kristo," was published in 2016 by Wycliffe Bible Translators and dedicated on 2 March 2017 in the village of Nikaura on Epi Island, Vanuatu [1][2]. The translation project spanned approximately 35 years, beginning in 1982 when a New Zealand family arrived on Epi Island and partnered with local leaders Elder Kapiapo and Elder Andrew to begin the work [1]. Dr. Robert Early, formerly of SIL and later of the University of the South Pacific, served as advisor to the Lewo and two other Epi language translation projects for more than 30 years and publicly read the first words from the completed Lewo New Testament at the dedication [3][4]. Ross and Lyndal Webb of SIL guided the final stages of preparation, including consultant checking and audio recording [1][2]. Lewo is a Southern Oceanic language spoken by approximately 2,200 people on Epi Island in Shefa Province; it is also known as Varsu or Laewo and has dialects including Tasiko, Maluba, and Lemaroro [5][6]. Written documentation of Lewo first appeared in the late 19th century when parts of the Bible and a hymnal were translated using various Latin alphabet spelling systems [5]. At the dedication ceremony, over 1,000 copies of the printed New Testament were delivered to the community, and paramount chief Supapo Varasliu recognized the occasion as an important step in making scripture accessible in the indigenous language [2].

Language and People

Lewo (ISO 639-3: lww) is spoken by approximately 2,200 people in Vanuatu. [Glottolog: lewo1242]

Publishing and Organizations

Published by Wycliffe Bible Translators USA. Translation type: New.

References