Summer
2009
”The
Dargins should at last
also have this book in their language.”
 The Dargins (510,000) are one
of the largest people groups in Dagestan, northern Caucasus
– an area where more than 30 languages are spoken. But while
Bible translation
is progressing well in languages such as Avar, Lezgin, Kumyk and
Tabasaran,
only two Gospels have so far been translated into Dargin –
Mark's Gospel, which
was published in 2002 and reprinted in 2007, and Luke's Gospel, which
will soon
be ready for printing. The main reason for this slow progress is that
for a
long time there was no exegetical advisor for the project. Now an
experienced
advisor is ready to take on the Dargin translation – but then
a few weeks ago
the translator suddenly died in an accident. Besides the sad
bereavement of an
excellent translator and scholar, we were left bewildered –
why are there so
many problems with the Dargin translation?
Therefore it
was a special
joy to welcome the Dargin team to a consultant checking session in Moscow
in May. Two new
people have joined the team – both with a solid knowledge of
the Dargin
language, having worked before as translators, journalists and editors
in
Dargin press and radio. Ahmed* will be trained as a translator, Raisa*
has already
done some comprehension testing on the Gospel of Luke.
*not their real names
”I
really enjoyed this work,”
Raisa said. ” I met people from different social strata,
among them a librarian
at the National library. I
asked her to
read ten pages, but she took the book home because she wanted to read
the whole
Gospel. She even saw some mistakes which needed to be corrected. People
were in
general very interested, they liked the text. They compared our own
life and
traditions with the stories in the Gospel. When they read about the
prodigal
son who went off with the inherited money, several people said: 'Yes,
it is
true - as parents we give more love and care to children who are
difficult.’ So
the readers really felt how the heart of the father was
aching.”
”I
am not a Christian, but I
feel drawn to learn more about this faith,” she continued.
”I have previously
translated for a Christian broadcasting organisation, and the people
were very
friendly, honest and sincere. It struck me that although I came to them
as a
Muslim they still welcomed me, prayed for me and expressed such love
and care.
Later back home I told the Muslim leaders that Christians have set us
an
example. While I am working on the Bible I feel that I get nearer to
God, and I
am changing, I have become more patient and calm. The work enriches my
life,
and I am convinced that the Bible is needed in my language.”
We asked
Ahmed what it is
like to translate the Bible for someone who is used to translating
other texts.
“It is much more difficult,” he answered.
“With other texts you can delete what
you don't like – here you have to translate everything and
you have to do it so
that the text will be meaningful and understood. The terms are also
difficult,
not all biblical terms exist in Dargin, so we have to search for them and
find
solutions. The Bible is a cultural monument which will
be very important to the
Dargins. There is a great strength in the Bible, people have known it
for almost 2000 years
and
the Dargins should at last also have this book in their
language.”
Will you
help support the Dargin Bible translation? So far
there is no regular financial support for
this project.
for donations from USA
Tax
deductible gifts for IBT Russia/CIS can be made payable to:
God’s
Word for the Nations
On behalf of IBT-Russia/CIS
PO Box 1259
Rolla, MO
65402
U.S.A.
You
may state a project preference
using the form below or make a donation for the project with the
greatest need.
|
