By Llywellenie Mpasa:
The Bible Society of Malawi has officially launched the Malawi Sign Language Bible Translation Project to enable the deaf community to fully engage with God’s Word in a format they understand.
The society’s chief executive officer Mphatso Bello said the project marked a milestone in the country’s efforts to provide the deaf community with a Bible in their own language.
“This is the first time Malawi will have a Bible translated into sign language and it is an exciting undertaking, ensuring inclusivity and spiritual empowerment,” Bello said.
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Speaking in Blantyre, where the society unveiled a team of five translators who will undertake the translation project, Bello said the initiative would make scriptures accessible to everyone.
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“The deaf community in Malawi has been deprived of having a Bible in their ‘language’, but this project will change that,” Bello said.
He said translating the Bible into sign language would offer the deaf community an opportunity to experience scriptures in their first language through video formats.
“Romans 10:17 says ‘faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God’. This does not mean that only those who physically hear can have faith,” Bello said.
The initiative is a result of collaboration among Wycliffe Global, Deaf Opportunity Outreach, United Bible Society, various deaf communities and churches.
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He said the initiative builds on the foundation laid by the Malawi Sign Language Dictionary, which was launched in 2022.
On his part, Presidential Adviser on Religious Affairs, Reverend Brian Kamwendo, who was the Guest of Honour, commended the Bible Society of Malawi for taking a crucial step towards inclusivity in religious practices.
“This initiative is a testament to the commitment of the Bible Society of Malawi and its partners in ensuring that no one is left behind when it comes to spiritual growth,” he said.
United Bible Society Translation Consultant Samy Tioye said sign language was a visual language, adding that translating the Bible into the format required a deep understanding of both linguistic and theological principles.
“This project will ensure that the deaf community in Malawi receives an accurate and meaningful translation of the scriptures. It will impact many lives and open new opportunities for the deaf community,” Tioye said.
Representing the deaf community, Byson Chimenya from the Malawi National Association of the Deaf said Malawi had over 400 people with hearing impairments.
He said the initiative would go a long way in bridging the communication gap.
