HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF TULA LANGUAGE AND BIBLE TRANSLATION PROJECT 1986 -2021: A GUIDE FOR LANGUAGE PROJECTS IMPLEMENTATION IN NIGERIA

PREFACE

The book “Historical Development of Tula Language and Bible Translation Project” is a documentary of the activities of the project from 1986 to 2021.The book highlights the genesis, intermissions and implementation of the project which was perceived to be completed in five years is now 35 years old and without the end in sight. The underlying intricacies in execution of the project have led to this prolonged period. For instance, the project was considered without the literacy component, however,    it was later realized that the literacy aspect is central to the project. The literacy component entailed the development of the orthography (writing system), primers, vocabulary, production of literacy materials and teaching the Tula people to read and write in the language. The development of the language through the literacy component then steered in the translation component which led to the translation and dedication of the New Testament. Efforts have since been geared towards the translation of the Old Testament. Other vital components of the project which were administration and finances are also discussed in this book. The administration component has evolved through the years thereby leading to the formation of the Language and Bible Translation Committee saddled with running the affairs of the project and other supporting committees like the Literacy committee, Translation committee, home zone committee and Non-home committee. Over the years, the project has grown several methods of fund raising to support the many activities of the project.

The book also dwells on the importance of language, language endangerment and extinction and language empowerment. The book encourages owners of minor languages to arise and prevent the extinction of their languages through language use and development.

Another very interesting aspect of the book is  the shared experiences of the Tula Language and Bible Translation Project with communities that have embarked on Bible Translation projects or are intending to embark on such projects. A careful under study of the Tula Language and Bible Translation Project will greatly assist  in the successful implementation of such projects with less hitches.

This book therefore captures the conception and execution of the Tula Language and Bible Translation Project, lessons on how to handle similar translation projects and the need to develop our local languages to prevent them from extinction.