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Tyap Bible Translation

Support the translation of Scripture and literacy work so Tyap speakers can engage God’s Word in their own language.

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Bible Translation

Country

  • Nigeria

Region

  • West Africa

Language Population

255,000

Empowering Tyap Speakers Through Scripture and Literacy

The Tyap Bible Translation program, led by the Nigeria Bible Translation Trust, focuses on preparing for Old Testament translation, beginning with Psalms, alongside literacy and Scripture engagement activities in Tyap‑speaking communities.

The work includes community‑based Scripture engagement, literacy efforts, and training for local leaders and volunteers. These efforts support long‑term access to Scripture and strengthen local church use of God’s Word in Tyap.

Photo credit: Anasskoko – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link

Empowering Tyap Communities Through Scripture

Every Tyap speaker deserves access to God’s Word in their heart language. Your prayers and financial support equip local translators and church leaders to bring Scripture to the Tyap, establish literacy programs, and create culturally relevant Scripture engagement opportunities. Your investment strengthens faith across communities, preserves language heritage, and empowers individuals to read, understand, and live by Scripture in their daily lives.

Program Goals

  1. Prepare for Psalms translation
  2. Support Tyap literacy activities
  3. Strengthen Scripture engagement in churches
  4. Support continued use of the Tyap language
  5. Equip local church leaders and volunteers

Mende Bible Translation Plan

Step 1

Establish Translation Foundations

  • Form dedicated Tyap translation team for Psalms.
  • Develop translation guidelines and principles.
  • Conduct initial translation workshops for collaboration.

Step 2

Expand Literacy and Engagement

  • Launch adult and children’s literacy programs in Tyap.
  • Create community-based Bible study and recitation groups.
  • Develop age-appropriate reading materials and resources

Step 3

Strengthen Community Capacity

  • Provide training for local translators and church leaders.
  • Host cultural events to celebrate Tyap language and heritage.
  • Distribute and test newly created literacy and Scripture resources.
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Meet the Local Team

  • Team Members

    • Ten Translators

Partner Organizations

Program photo credit: Kambai Akau via WikiMedia Commons

Honoring the Language

Tyap is a Plateau language spoken by about 255,000 people in central Nigeria, particularly in Kaduna and Plateau states. A Plateau language is a linguistic classification for a group of related languages spoken in central Nigeria’s Middle Belt region, particularly around the Jos Plateau, belonging to the Benue-Congo branch of the Niger-Congo language family. Tyap uses a Latin script with 24 letters and follows subject-verb-object word order.

Program Progress

The Tyap Bible Translation program has achieved significant milestones, with the New Testament successfully translated and actively used in local churches for sermons and evangelism.

  • Scripture engagement activities are ongoing, including Bible study groups, sermon series, discipleship efforts, and church‑based teaching. 
  • Literacy activity development is in progress, including adult literacy programs, community reading clubs, teacher training, and development of Tyap reading materials. 
  • Training and capacity‑building efforts are underway for church leaders, Scripture engagement facilitators, and literacy workers. 
  • Translation foundations are being prepared. Old Testament books, including Psalms, have not yet entered drafting or checking stages as of Q1 2026.
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Bring Scripture to Tyap Speakers

God speaks every language. Your donation helps translate God’s Word into the Tyap language. Every gift makes a difference.

  • Join Us in Prayer

    Pray for safety for local leaders, trainers, and volunteers involved in Scripture engagement and literacy activities.

    Become a Prayer Partner

  • Join Us in Prayer

    Pray for consistent participation in adult literacy programs and community reading groups.

    Become a Prayer Partner

  • Join Us in Prayer

    Pray for continued use of Tyap Scripture resources in churches as translation foundations are prepared.

    Become a Prayer Partner