By NIMO KAMA
Government, leaders, and citizens boast of the 800
plus indigenous languages of Papua New Guinea.
Many claim that the languages are invaluable
national treasures and pride of the country, but only a few realise that a lot
needs to be done to maintain the value of these ancient treasures. There is a
great need to invest in the development and preservation of the languages.
The Summer Institute of Linguistics (SIL) based at
Ukarumpa in the Eastern Highlands, is one organisation which strongly believes
that the indigenous languages of PNG are national treasures and powerful tools
for empowering the people for better life; and has been proactively engaged in
language preservation and utilisation since 1956.
Through its Bible Translation Program, SIL is
directly preserving these national treasures by establishing linguistic
infrastructure for the country.
According to
SIL Director, Tim Lithgow, SIL has developed alphabets, dictionaries, literacy
materials, and translated the bible into 191 PNG indigenous languages to
date.
SIL is working in another 200 languages, determined
to deliver these same valuable outputs in vernacular language development.
SIL delivers these linguistic outputs in print,
audio and audiovisual formats.
Specifically, some vernacular Bibles are recorded in
audio devices including proclaimer, megavoice, and saber.
It also records music of each language group for
future generation to learn and use.
Similarly, the video capturing the enactment of the
life of Jesus Christ as recorded in Luke is dubbed into indigeneous languages
of PNG.
Many
vernacular scriptures are also available on the internet at a PNG Bible
Translation Association (PNGBTA) sponsored website www.PNGScriptures.org
Since Government facilities are limited for the
development and preservation of the languages, communities seek to engage with
SIL.
Mr Lithgow
mentioned that SIL believes in the potential of PNG, and feels compelled to
engage with linguistic groups when it is approached by communities who are
concerned about the survival of their language, and would like to understand
the Bible better in their own spoken language.
The translation of the Bible is no easy task.
It takes many
years of commitment and hard work.
SIL missionaries leave the comfort in their home
countries and sacrifice over half of their lives on assignments to develop the
language, translate the Bible into the language and teach the local communities
to read and live by its principles.
One such
devoted and passionate missionary couple are Bob and Salme Bugenhagen who
completed simultaneous translation work on the Tuam and Oov dialects of the
Saveeng language on Siassi Islands last week Saturday.
Bob Bugenhagen said: “When we exit the village, we
will leave behind language infrastructure including alphabets, dictionaries,
literacy program and training tools, and most importantly the Bible –the word
of God that has the potential to transform individuals and communities.”
Mr Bugenhagen added that technical skills and
expertise have also been transferred to local translators and literacy
counterparts for future work in the language group.
Martin Narol, a local translator who worked with SIL
linguists to develop the Tuam dialect confirmed: “Mi kisim skul na save pinis long tanim ol toktok long Inglis or Tokpisin
igo long Tokples Tuam. Mi ken helpim gavman long tanim stori blong sik HIV AIDS
or Binis long inglis igo long Tokples,”
The language development and translation work has
its costs, and involves substantial resources including funds, materials, and labour.
The SIL main centre at Ukarumpa coordinates the support services which includes
Aviation, Communication & Technology, and Material and Technical Support to
translation teams.
Hence, the undertaking by SIL to contribute toward
preserving the languages of PNG is a great task which requires adequate
support.
This includes supporting the local translators who
are involved in the translation and literacy program on a fulltime basis.
Government, leaders, and citizens ought to
contribute towards the efforts of SIL to preserve the 800 plus indigenous
languages of Papua New Guinea, the renowned treasures of the country.
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