The first Sign Language Bible for the Deaf in Nagaland (the Book of Jonah) was launched at the Deaf Biblical Ministry, Naharbari, Dimapur on February 18.
Dimapur, February 20 (MExN): The first Sign Language Bible for the Deaf in Nagaland (the Book of Jonah) was launched at the Deaf Biblical Ministry, Naharbari, Dimapur on February 18. The Sign Language Bible was released by Rev Dr Kavito G Zhimo, General Secretary of the Bible Society of India (BSI).
Since 2022, the Deaf Biblical Ministry has been collaborating with the Bible Society of India in translating the Bible into Sign Language for the Deaf community in Nagaland, it was stated.
Why Sign Language Bible?
‘Nagaland is home to 17 major communities and while the Bible is now available in almost all the local dialects of Nagaland, the Word of God is yet to be made available in a language that the Deaf in Nagaland can fully comprehend,’ an update received here stated.
“Though the Sign Language in Nagaland has its roots in American Sign Language, the language has evolved over the span of 3 decades to meet the unique linguistic and cultural needs of the Deaf in Nagaland,” it stated.
“The English Bible is not enough for the Deaf people because the English Grammar is different from Sign Language grammar. Also, not all Deaf people are literate. Hence, the need arises for a Sign Language Bible translated specifically to meet the spiritual needs of the Deaf in Nagaland,” the release added.
The members of the Sign Language Bible Translation Team, Nagaland are Aomeren, Asangba Lkr, Khareimi, Azungla, Temsutola, Maongkaba, Tasen, Besutsu, Wanchule, Christina Walling, Amongla Ao, Rev Yanger Walling and Rev Dr Along Jamir Director (Translation) BSI, of which 9 are Deaf members.
‘Of great historical importance’
Speaking on the occasion, Rev Zhimo remarked the significance of releasing the Sign language Bible as of great historical importance, a milestone not just in the context of Nagaland, but also in the history of Deaf community and Bible Society of India. He also emphasized that each new Bible translation unfolds the word of God afresh.
State Commissioner for the Persons with Disabilities Nagaland Diethono Nakhro acknowledged the translation as a significant stride toward inclusivity and accessibility.
Rev Dr W Along Jamir, BSI Director (Translation) in his report characterised the occasion as historic, noting the existence of over 450 officially recognised Sign languages worldwide. He noted that this was the first Sign Language Bible Translation for the Deaf in BSI’s history. Rev Along also reiterated BSI’s commitment to delivering God’s word in formats desired by the people, emphasizing the importance of catering to the heart language of the Deaf in Nagaland.
He expressed satisfaction with the Nagaland Sign Language team, describing it as the most gratifying project he has been involved in.
Others who also spoke during the occasion were Rev Dr Yipetso Wezah Dimapur Auxiliary Secretary BSI, Asangba Longkumer, President Deaf Community of Nagaland DCN, Limaakum Longchar, Associate Pastor DABA, Chumbeni Ovung Deaf Fellowship Kohima, and greetings from Mark Penner Consultant for Sign Language Translators, United Bible Societies from Japan through an online message.
The Sunday School children of Deaf Baptist Church presented special songs and Bible reading by Khareimi member SL Bible translation team. Rev Yanger Walling extended welcome to the gathering while Besutsu delivered the vote of thanks, with Christina Walling serving as the Sign Language Interpreter.
“The release of the Book of Jonah in Sign Language for the Deaf in Nagaland marks a significant advancement not only for the Deaf but also for the broader community of Nagaland, as it aligns with the goal of full inclusion and participation of the Deaf in churches. It is the hope and prayer of the Sign Language Bible Translation Team to continue translating the other books of the Bible in the coming years,” the release added.
