Research had given its recommendation: the Label language was not viable, and no translation work should be undertaken. The population (around 300 speakers) was too small, and more importantly there seemed to be no motivation to get involved in a translation programme.
The Label New Testament is well worth celebrating! At that point, the Label people faced a decision. Let their language become extinct, or take the necessary steps to save it.
Fast forward to 24 November 2024… the Label community comes together to celebrate the launch of the Label New Testament in New Ireland province in Papua New Guinea! What a turnaround!
How did this happen?
It all started as a result of that original research. The Label community looked at the situation. It seemed impossible. The difficulties appeared insurmountable.
How could they hope to preserve the Label language when there were no adequate resources to write down their oral language?
Sing a new song.
Photo: Robyn Davies How could they reach the younger generations so they understood that it was not just a matter of what language they talked in, but also that their language was inextricably linked to their identity?
Surely it was easier to abandon their rich language and stick to the generic, official Tok Pisin language?
And yet, for one group of Label people, the thought of not having God’s word in their Label language was too much. They saw neighbouring languages had New Testaments and they didn’t want to be overlooked just because they are such a small group. The research has given them the spur they needed. They just couldn’t stand by and watch an integral part of their culture threatened. Something had to be done. The language had to be saved.
A literacy class in the early days of the translation programme.
Photo: Robyn Davies What to many seemed impossible and perhaps even pointless, to this group of Christians seemed possible – with God’s inspiration and help.
With the support of our primary partner organisation, this group began work on their language. The Label alphabet was created. The process of translating God’s word began.
What a moment! Reading the New Testament in your language for the first time
Photo: Lisbeth Fritzell Now, 20 years later, the future of the Label language is more secure than it was, as is the Label culture and identity.
But the Label people don’t just have their language written down – they have the New Testament in their language too!
And because they have the New Testament in their language, the Label people are growing in their faith.
They now understand God’s word in a new, deeper way that wasn’t available to them before.
What a transformation!
At the launch event, there was much celebrating, with speeches, prayers, dancing, choirs, feasting, a devotional message. And of course, readings from the newly translated New Testament.
The word of God in the Label language
Photo: Lisbeth Fritzell Half of those at the event bought a copy of the Label New Testament that day.
As one participant commented, it was wonderful to see a constant stream of people buying the New Testaments and sitting around looking at them and reading them.
And now, the Label New Testament is being used every Sunday in church. The people are understanding the word of God better than they did. We pray that transformation continues among the Label community.
And one more language – and its rich heritage and culture – has been saved from extinction.
