Eyes to See, Ears to Hear

Archive for the ‘Nyiha’ Category

The following is an article set to appear in our 2nd quarter newsletter which is about to be released:

This was a CRAZY busy quarter in terms of all the things I’ve been able to do.  Let me begin by addressing the preview items from last quarter’s newsletter.
The Nyakyusa recordings will be tested and distributed. We’re still in the test phase because we found some inconsistencies with the audio compared to the printed Scripture.  I’m waiting until after our branch conference (early July) to schedule some correction recording sessions with four different speakers.  Why so many?  Well, two of them will be coming in for single word recordings.  One said, “cha” when he should’ve said, “kya,” and another said “Abinalamu” when he should’ve said “Aminalabu.”  I caught neither of these things while we were recording nor while I was editing!  Our goal is to distribute a quality, accurate recording so you can see how the work can easily become very intensive.
We will begin a weekly radio broadcast playing Scripture and biblical songs in the local languages. I’ve put this project on hold for the time being.  Not because I don’t think it can happen but because when it does happen, even the very first broadcast, I want it to be done right.  I don’t think I’m to that point yet so I’ll continue to seek advice and feedback on all of my ideas.
The Gospel of Mark will be recorded in the Vwanji language in preparation for a later-in-the-year dedication ceremony.  This task has gone very well.  We’ve only spent one week recording so far and in that short period, we completed 57% of all the lines in the book!  Soon after conference, we’ll resume the recording with all the words of Jesus up next.  After that, we’ll only have to record the short-appearance characters.
The translation department asked for the audio to be ready to accompany [Mark] and other study materials we’ll release that day.  [The Vwanji] will have Ruth and Jonah recorded and made available as well. I’m happy to inform you that both Ruth and Jonah have completed the recording phase!
At least two other languages will have the recordings of Ruth and Jonah begun. Two other languages… not yet.  But, we’ve almost finished one of them.  Jonah in the Malila language has been completely recorded and I am now only lacking the voices of the women in Ruth.  The Nyiha language recording should begin in August.

No matter what you call it, I have finished seven of them. The radio station is scheduled to cycle through the set playing one at 7am and one at 7pm everyday for a month starting today. Here’s a summary of what you can hear in the ads posted below:
1-6 sec : Language specific translation of Jonah 2:2
7-29 sec : Swahili describing our need for full-time scripture use & literacy workers to be based in each respective language area.
30-35 sec : List of nine languages in which we’re hiring folks; these names are all said in their respective languages: Ishinyiha, Ishimalila, Kivwanji, Shisango, Ishisafwa, Kikinga, Kinyakyusa, Hibena, Ichindali.
36-60 sec : Swahili describing applicant qualifications, where to get an application and the last date to submit an application.

Vwanji Advertisement (click to play)

Sangu Ad

Safwa Ad

Nyakyusa Ad

Ndali Ad

Malila Ad

Kinga Ad

And here are some pictures of the recording happening in my studio:

Below is my tentative schedule for the recording of Ruth & Jonah in the MICP languages.

2008
Sep 29 – Oct 3: Sangu
Oct 20 – Oct 24: Kinga
Dec 8 – Dec 12: Nyakyusa

2009
Jan 12 – Jan 16: Bena
Feb 9 – Feb 13: Safwa
Mar 16 – Mar 20: Malila
Apr 13 – Apr 17: Vwanji
May 11 – May 15: Ndali
June 8 – June 12: Nyiha

If you’re keeping up with all of the langauge groups with which we are working, you’ll notice one is missing from that list… Bungu.  That is because Ruth & Jonah are not finished in that language due to a lack of translators.  Although we aren’t able to move forward with the Bible translation, we have offered to help in Bible storying & songs.