Igala Language Project
About us
Many of the world’s people groups do not have the Bible in their own language. The Igala people of Nigeria do have their own Bible, but few are fluent readers. Our goal is to increase fluency and comprehension in reading the Bible.
American children spend years practicing reading in school and at home before they become fluent. They have access to thousands of books at various reading levels.
The Igala people have little more than a primer and the Bible in their language. When there are more books to read in Igala, it will be easier to become fluent in reading and understanding the Bible. Literacy experts say that using the people’s own literature is the best way, or even the only way, to promote literacy.
Our booklets entitled Igala Fables and Bible Stories are part of the solution. The fables are fun, intriguing, culturally relevant treasures with powerful lessons. Each booklet presents an Igala fable and a Bible story with similar themes. Readers enjoy the stories and see that the Bible is not such a foreign book.
HISTORY
1970: The Igala Bible is published. Over the decades: Teaching Igala in the public schools is mandated, but not funded. Missions and individuals produce primers and a few other books. Churches and individuals offer literacy classes, but few people become fluent in reading. Something is wrong. Meanwhile God works behind the scenes with many people, preparing them to fix the problems.
2002: The Igala Language Project idea is born.
Over the years: People with a passion for literacy begin to find each other and discuss how to work together. Igala people begin to study linguistics and define their grammar. A team of Igala people start a new Bible translation, one that will be easier to read. Booklets are written and sold. Interest in reading and in the language and culture grows.
GIVING
Regular monthly donations of any size bring stability to the project, and one-time or occasional gifts give it a boost. Your tax-deductible gift will be used to further literacy and Bible comprehension in the Igala language. Click the DONATE button below to give online OR send a check made out to Partners In Joy, Inc. to the address below. Write ILP on the memo line.
Partners In Joy, Inc.
P.O. Box 3761
Pueblo, CO 81005
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Prayer. You can cover all aspects of the project by simply praying for Bible comprehension for the Igala people. For more details about the project and progress, check under the Newsletters tab each month.
Skills. Can you abridge a Bible story in English? Can you translate from English to Igala? Can you do layout? Are you an artist? Email me at esther@partners-in-joy.org if you want to help by donating your skills.
Purchasing. These booklets are in English as well as in Igala, side by side! Would you like to buy one for your family? For a friend? Would you like to use these booklets at school, missions class, or church? They are $5 plus $1.25 postage. Make out your check to Esther Nordman, write the title of the booklet on the memo line, and send it to me care of:
Partners In Joy, Inc.
P.O. Box 3761
Pueblo CO 81005
We currently have books 1 and 2. Email me at esther@partners-in-joy.org to discuss discounts for bulk purchases.