Lubwisi
The Babwisi live in Bundibugyo District in southwestern Uganda and across the border in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. They call their language Lubwisi. In DRC the language is called Kitalinga.
Quick facts:
Population: 101,000 (2014)
Location: Bundibugyo District
Language family: Niger-Congo > Bantu > Nyoro-Ganda (JE10)
Read about Lubwisi [tlj] on the Ethnologue website
Some background information
SIL has been supporting language development among the Babwisi since 1992. Early work included developing an orthography and literacy materials. Rebel activity in the area interrupted the work from 1997-2000, but Bible translation work finally began in 2000.
The first books of the Bible to be published in Lubwisi were Jonah and the Gospel of Mark. Many other books and materials in Lubwisi have also been published, including readers, traditional stories, Bible study guides and a dictionary. Literacy and Scripture engagement workers continue to promote mother tongue literacy and encourage the reading and application of Scriptures through workshops carried out among Lubwisi speakers on both sides of the Uganda-Congo border.
The New Testament in Lubwisi was published and launched in 2016. The Old Testament is currently in progress. SIL supports the Bwisi community to develop their language by providing training, consulting, and assistance with the publishing process.
Some available resources
- Lubwisi New Testament, 2016 - text and audio
- Read Lubwisi scripture hosted by The Global Bible Project.
- Listen to Lubwisi scripture on © Bible.is
- Lubwisi Dictionary, 2012 (online version)
- Lubwisi Spelling Guide
- Lubwisi Primer, 2006, revised 2011 (online here)
- The JESUS film in Lubwisi (watch online)
- Various story booklets (some online here)
Download the Lubwisi Bible app
Visit the Lubwisi project website to access more resources
Contact us for more information about language development work in Lubwisi.