WayeyiNew Testament Translation
The Wayeyi live near the Okavango Delta, living as fishermen and hunters. A finalized and printed Gospel of Mark has increased demand for the Wayeyi New Testament.
Bible Translation
Country
- Botswana
Region
- Southern Africa
Language Population
4,180
Community involvement is key to translation success
The Wayeyi live in villages along the Okavango Delta. Fishing and hunting provide a living for the Wayeyi, as well as some tourism activities, such as tracking. Using the reeds from the river, the Wayeyi were among the first in the world to employ basket weaving for ongoing use.
The Wayeyi people speak Shiyeyi, and they are eager to have Scripture in their language. Knowing that God speaks their language brings a new sense of dignity and self-worth to a people that has often been forgotten or ignored.
An important part of every translation project is community review; the community is asked if they can understand it. This helps the translation team make edits and adjustments that will ensure the completed manuscript is clear and accurate. Both team check and community check of the Wayeyi New Testament are underway.
Empower Local Leaders to Engage Neighbors
We believe that every community should have the chance to read the Bible in the language they understand best. Your financial gifts and prayers equip leaders in Botswana to translate the Bible into the Shiyeyi language spoken by the Wayeyi of northern Botswana.
Program Goals
- Team checking will be the primary focus for 2024.
- Hold two community checking sessions in 2024. Plan to develop better connections in the villages that conduct community review.
- Work on a monthly basis with a consultant.
Program Plan
Step 1
Promote use of Scripture in worship and evangelism.
Step 2
Dive heavily into the team checking phase throughout 2024.
Step 3
Deepen engagement with the community as translation work moves forward.
Meet the Local Team
Team members
Motswasele Motswasele
Project Coordinator
Leading project work and guiding project tasks, managing project finances
Nicolus Qhau
Translator
Assists in translation work
Rev. Carl and Kelsey Grulke
Carl and Kelsey have served in Botswana since 2018. Carl is currently working as Program Director – Southern Africa and Exegete and Kelsey as Scripture Engagement Coordinator among the people of Botswana.
Partner Organizations
Honoring the Language
Wayeyi people speak Shiyeyi, a click language.
Mix of Khoesan and Bantu languages, borrowing pieces from each.
Instead of nouns being masculine or feminine, they belong to a noun class – there are around 17 noun classes.
