BTN News: The Wayúu people, Colombia’s largest indigenous group, are on the brink of a historic moment as they prepare to receive the first complete Bible translated into their native language, Wayuunaiki. This milestone marks a significant cultural and spiritual event for the Wayúu community, highlighting not only the preservation of their language but also their right to access religious texts in their mother tongue. The official presentation of this monumental work is set to take place on August 9 and 10, 2024, in Riohacha and Uribia, respectively, coinciding with the 50th anniversary celebration of the Colombian Bible Society (SBC).
The journey to translate the Bible into Wayuunaiki has been a labor of love and dedication, spanning over a decade. Initiated in 2010, the project brought together native translators, biblical scholars, and experts in the original languages of the Bible, as well as cultural and theological consultants. Their collective efforts ensured that the translation was not only linguistically accurate but also culturally relevant to the Wayúu people, allowing them to fully engage with and interpret the scriptures within their own cultural framework.
Sergio Ramírez Lozano, director of translations for the SBC, emphasized the profound impact of this translation on the Wayúu community. He stated, “Translating the Bible into Wayuunaiki not only facilitates access to the scriptures and strengthens the preservation of the language, but it also acknowledges the linguistic importance of the Wayúu people and their right to access, read, and interpret these texts in their own language.” This sentiment underscores the broader significance of the project, which is not merely a linguistic exercise but a recognition of the Wayúu’s cultural heritage and identity.
The official launch of the Wayuunaiki Bible will be a momentous occasion, taking place on Saturday, August 10, 2024, in Uribia at the San José Coliseum, located in the El Matadero neighborhood. The event is expected to draw members of the Wayúu community, public officials, leaders from the United Bible Societies, and other notable figures. The celebration will feature cultural performances, culminating in the formal presentation and distribution of the Bible.
The translation of the Bible into Wayuunaiki is more than just a simple transfer of words from one language to another. It represents a deep understanding and respect for the Wayúu culture, with a careful balance to preserve the essence of the biblical message. As the SBC noted, “Translating the Bible is more than mere word transcription; it requires a profound understanding of the community’s culture and language, with the rigor to maintain the essence of the scriptures.” This project is a testament to the dedication and respect shown towards the Wayúu people, ensuring that the spiritual message remains intact while being conveyed in a way that resonates with their cultural identity.
Thanks to the support of both national and international donors, the initial distribution will see 10,000 Bibles given free of charge to members of the Wayúu community. This effort will be carried out in collaboration with churches, ministries, foundations, and other organizations. The ultimate goal is to distribute 20,000 Bibles, ensuring that a significant portion of the community can engage with the Word of God in their own language.
The completion of this translation marks a significant achievement in the ongoing efforts to make the Bible accessible to indigenous communities around the world. Currently, the Bible has been fully translated into 677 indigenous languages, which represents about 9% of the world’s indigenous languages. This work is driven by requests from the communities themselves and involves native translators, ensuring that the translations are authentic and meaningful to the people who will be reading them.
The arrival of the Wayuunaiki Bible is a historic event that celebrates the cultural and linguistic richness of the Wayúu people. It stands as a powerful symbol of their right to spiritual access in their native language, ensuring that the Word of God can be read, understood, and cherished by the Wayúu community for generations to come.
