TABUK CITY, Kalinga – The relationship between religion and culture has been made stronger as the New Testament, which was translated to the Minangali dialect, had its dedication rites to be used in masses and other religious activities.
Apostolic Vicar of Tabuk Bishop Prudencio Andaya presided the dedication of the Bible in Minangali with the theme, “Niyi mangalin’n ugud apu, basaon ta ikatagu taku,” through an ecumenical rite held at the St. William’s Cathedral on Oct. 24.
The Minangali translation, the third of local translations in Kalinga dialects, was a project of the Summer Institute of Linguistics (SIL).
The SIL, which established residency in Mangali, Tanudan in the early ‘70s, worked for the translation of the Bible. It is a non-government organization that has partnered with the Department of Education in its efforts to translate the Bible into local languages, among its other intentions.
SIL International-Philippines Director Jill Choa congratulated the translation team and the Mangali people for working on the realization of the project.
“Your enormous labor of love over many years and staying true to the course to finish the New Testament in your own language is truly a big milestone,” she said.
Project Director Evelyn Caress encouraged the public to take the challenge and be part in spreading God’s Word among the i-Kalinga.
“I praise your great desire to have your bible in the Minangali dialect so that you can understand better the Word of God,” she said.
A Minangali dictionary was also produced and is planned for registration to the Commission on Filipino Languages. – Peter A. Balocnit
