KukeleLanguage Development and Bible Translation
Advance the work of the Kukele Language Development and Bible Translation Committee as they progress through Old Testament translation.
Bible Translation
Scripture Engagement
Country
- Nigeria
Region
- West Africa
Language Population
180,000
Translation can refine language development
Translation of the New Testament is complete. Scripture is also available through the JESUS film, audio recordings, and Scripture song workshops. Now, the Old Testament is in progress.
In many settings, like Nigeria, Bible translation is part of language development. So as teams progress through the translation process, there may arise a need to think about how to revise the writing system or other language materials. When this happens, they call upon the linguists to help solve these issues with the orthography.
Progress is steady, but leaders need your support.
Equip Local Leaders & Churches
Your financial gifts and prayers enable us to equip leaders in Nigeria further Bible translation and language development in the Kukele language of the Ukele people.
The Kukele Language Committee wants God’s Word to impact and transform lives. A local pastor shared, “I want to see the use of the Kukele language in church through the reading of the Kukele New Testament. I also encourage the Old Testament translation and teaching the language in primary school.”
Program Goals
- Make progress on the Old Testament translation, including draft of Job and 1 Chronicles.
- Distribute the trial edition of Esther.
- Identify and train two new translators.
Kukele Language Development and Bible Translation Program Plan
Step 1
Raise awareness and community engagement through distribution of Esther trial edition.
Step 2
Identify and train two new translators for the team.
Step 3
Continue drafts of Old Testament books.
Meet the Local Team
team members
Five translators
Six people in literacy
Seven in Scripture Engagement (SLRG)
Committee members
rev. linus otronyi
Rev. Linus Otronyi grew up in the rural village of Iboko, in the Yala-speaking area of northern Cross River State, Nigeria. He studied at the University of Calabar and has been involved in Bible translation work since 2000.
Rev. Chuck & Karen Tessaro
Rev. Chuck and Karen Tessaro first set foot in Nigeria, where there are over 500 different language groups, in 1985. They serve with multiple local translation teams including the Old Testament teams for the Ikwerre, Yala, Kukele and Gokana languages. These teams also promote literacy and serve in their local community as teachers and helpers.
Partner Organizations
Honoring the Language
Nigeria has 500 indigenous languages.
The Ukele people group is considered part of the sub-Saharan peoples.
Since pockets of the Kukele language are found in the Efic and Agwagwune, Yakurr, Bahumono, Bakor, and Agbo groups of languages in Cross River State, they are presumed to have the same migrational history associated with the Bantu.
