Scripture translation into Bantu languages

Abstract

SYNOPSIS A survey of Scripture translations in the Bantu field, with accounts of the work done in a selection of languages and of the pioneer missionaries who carried it out. The first Scripture translations into Bantu languages were produced in the 17th century, but the first New Testament appeared only in 1840 and the first complete Bible in 1857, both the latter being renderings into Tswana (Tlhaping) by Robert Moffat. Up to 1938, 89 Bantu New Testaments and 25 Bibles had appeared, which totals amount to two‐thirds of the corresponding figures for the whole of Africa. Chronological tables show the order of publication of these Bantu translations. Since 1938 the numbers of translations have increased to 105 New Testaments, 38 Bibles and 183 Portions, at the end of 1957. Accounts are given, with notes on the translators, their experiences, and the problems they encountered and overcame, of the translations into Tswana, Xhosa, Duala, Southern Sotho, Zulu, Swahili, Ganda, Kongo, Nyanja, Union Mongo‐Nkundu, Union Mambwe‐Lungu, Union Omyene, Union Shona, the Luba languages and dialects, and Venda. A few of the more prominent names associated with these translations are Robert Moffat, W. B. Boyce, J. W. Appleyard, Alfred Saker, J. L. Krapf, E. Steere, G. L. Pilkington, K. E. Laman, Mrs A. E. Ruskin, U. Teisserès, Mrs A. A. Louw, A. A. Louw, jnr., W. M. Morrison and P. E. Schwellnus.