Bono-Twi dialect New Testament Bible completed
The Bible Society of Ghana (BSG) has completed translation of the 27 books of the New Testament of the Bible into the Bono-Twi dialect.
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The 27 books, which have already been published in a single book, are expected to be launched on Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Sunyani, the Bono Regional capital. The Bono-Twi Bible Translation Project is an ongoing Bible translation work which started in October 2017 and is expected to be completed in 2027.
The first four years were dedicated to the translation and publication of the New Testament, while the remaining six years are being used for the translation and publication of the Old Testament, together with the New Testament to have a complete Bible in the Bono-Twi dialect.
Even though the translation and publication of the New Testament Bible into the Bono-Twi dialect was completed as far back as 2021, it had to go through rigorous checks, thus delaying its launching.
Alphabets
There were no standardised orthography for the Bono dialect when the project started in 2017, thus compelling the translators to develop the Bono alphabets through field surveys, consultations and discussions with the various areas where the Bono language dialect is spoken.
The Bono-Twi orthography, like the Fante, has 24 alphabets which include the letters V and Z.
Briefing the media about the progress of the project in Sunyani last Monday, a member of the team of translators, Reverend Dr Isaac Boateng, said the Bono-Twi New Testament Bible had gone through the entire four stages of its journey.
The stages were the drafting of text, harmonisation, external review and consultant's checks.
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Rev. Dr Boateng explained that following revisions, the manuscript went through meticulous checks before the final submission for publication. "Through careful study and analysis, the translators have produced the Bono-Twi Apam Foforo (New Testament) with unique linguistic and theological features.
Accessibility
The Team Leader of the translators, Reverend Daniel Asomah Gyabaa, said the most compelling reason for the translation of the Bible into the Bono dialect was that the word of God was intended for the salvation of all people.
"Therefore, it must be accessible in a language that everyone can understand best," he stated. Rev. Gyabaa explained that when Bono people read the Bible in their own dialect, they would better appreciate God's word and be in a better position to apply it to their lives.
He stated that that fact echoed the Acts 2:5-11 passage where on the Day of Pentecost different people heard the word of God in their own languages. He stated that dealing with sub-dialectical differences had not been easy, adding that the translation team faced numerous challenges in the selection of words and phrases that would resonate with the broadest audience.
Rev. Gyabaa explained that in doing so certain sub-dialectical nuances might not have been represented and therefore called for understanding and cooperation.
Translations
The BSG has already published the entire Bible in the Asante-Twi, Akuapem-Twi, Ewe, Ga, Fante, Dangme, Dagbani, Nzema and Esahie dialects. Currently, works on the translation and publication of the entire Bible into Dagaare, Gurene (Frafra), Efutu, Okere, Bono and Sign languages are ongoing.
Writer's email: biiya.ali@graphic.com.gh