ክለ ጫቆ (OYDE)
Overview
This is the 2025 New Testament in the Oyda language of Ethiopia, published in Ethiopic script by The Word for the World International. The Oyda people number approximately 87,000 and live in southwest Ethiopia in the district also known as Oyda, within the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples' Region. [1] Oyda is classified as an Ometo language within the Omotic branch of the Afroasiatic language family. [2] The Word for the World operates Bible translation projects among 21 people groups in Ethiopia, including the Oyda. [3] A previous New Testament in Oyda was completed in 2018 in Latin script. [1] This Ethiopic-script edition represents an effort to make the New Testament accessible in the script used by many Ethiopian Orthodox communities.
Language and People
The Oyda language is spoken in southwest Ethiopia, with neighboring languages including Gofa to the north and east, Aari to the west and southwest, and Maale to the south. [2] Many Oyda speakers are bilingual in Gofa, which is used as a medium of instruction in local primary schools. [2] The ethnonym "Oyda" derives from a cognate noun meaning "seat," reflecting the comfort and hospitality the region offers. [2] According to the 2007 Census of Ethiopia, the Oyda ethnic group numbered 45,120, though more recent estimates place the population at approximately 87,000. [1] [2]
References
- [1] Oyda in Ethiopia - Joshua Project. People group profile with population, religion, and Bible translation status.
- [2] Oyda Language (archived) - Documentation of Endangered Languages (DOBES), Max Planck Institute. Linguistic classification, location, and cultural context.
- [3] Projects We Support (archived) - The Word for the World UK. Lists Oyda among Ethiopian translation projects.
- ebible.org entry - ebible.org. Bible encyclopaedia entry for OYDE.
- bible.com - YouVersion.