Bertram is working with Wycliffe Caribbean on a project to translate the Bible into Jamaican Creole (or Patois). His blog is a fascinating insight into the language and the work he’s doing – he mainly posts in standard English, but with the occasional Creole thrown in!
This post, for example, highlights the complex linguistic and political relationship between Standard Jamaican English and Jamaican Creole, while this one links to a video showing Patois being used by two young girls to enthusiastically communicate the message of Psalm 23!
It’s also interesting to see a short comment on thepath.fm highlighting various opinions about the Jamaican Creole translation.
Some residents say that using the local dialect, known as Patois, is diluting the sanctity of the Scriptures.
Others argue that using Patois is empowering because it embraces the Caribbean island’s heritage.
Religious leaders say the nearly $1 million audio translation would make the Bible accessible to the average churchgoer.
Does having the Bible in what some might consider to be a less prestigious language variety dilute the sanctity of the scriptures? Are some languages and ways of speaking more appropriate than others for spiritual matters?
- Back to blog homepage.
- Go to main Wycliffe UK site.
Yea. The project has created a firestorm here in Jamaica.
Mi tenk unu fi mi advataizment! Unu a big mi aa mi Jamieka op, sa!
Nof rispek…