YalaLanguage Development and Bible Translation
With a revised Yala New Testament, the program team works to promote its use. The team has its eyes set on bringing the Old Testament to its people.
Bible Translation
Country
- Nigeria
Region
- West Africa
Language Population
278,000
Yala desire the full Bible
The revised Yala New Testament with Psalms is available, and the team continues translating the Old Testament. Literacy classes and Scripture engagement programs provide tools needed to engage with Scripture, understand it better, and apply it.
Congregations often hear “on the fly” translations from English to Yala during services for the untranslated sections. It may be meaningless to those listening if the translation is too literal. A full translation ensures the Old Testament will be clear, natural, and accurate.
Literacy classes give confidence to lay leaders to read the New Testament in Yala. Scripture and worship are becoming easier to understand.
Empower Local Leaders to Spread the Word
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 Nigeria to translate the Bible into the Yala language.
Program Goals
- Complete the first draft of Ezekiel.
- Complete community review of first five books of the Old Testament.
- Promote the use of Yala Scripture: distribute the Yala New Testament with Psalms, share Yala Scripture on SD card and apps, and sustain the 10 Scripture listening and reading groups.
YALA Program Plan
Step 1
Continue drafting books of the Old Testament.
Step 2
Team check and consultant check drafted books.
Step 3
Finalize and publish a full Yala Bible for distribution.
Meet the Local Team
Team members
Translation
• 3 translators plus consultants
• 20 reviewers
Literacy and Scripture Engagement
• Nine literacy facilitators
• 10 Scripture listening & reading group facilitators
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 and karen tessaro
Rev. Chuck and Karen Tessaro serve with multiple Nigerian translation teams including the Old Testament teams for the Ikwerre, Yala, Kukele, and Gokana languages. Teams also promote literacy in their local community and work as teachers.
Partner Organizations
Honoring the Language
An Idomoid language of Ogoja, Nigeria. Dialects include Ikom, Obubra, and Ogoja.
Originates from the Yala Local Government Area in Cross River State, Nigeria.
Program Progress
The completed Gospel of Mark has been printed and distributed. Churches continue to request for bulk copies to distribute during their evangelism activities. An energized project advisory committee continues to encourage Scripture use in church and community life.
