PERCEPTIONS BY AARI SPEAKERS OF FACTORS THAT AFFECT THE USE OF VERNACULAR SCRIPTURE IN THE AARI COMMUNITY

Abstract

This research investigates perception of Aaraf speakers and factors that affect the use of the Aari New Testament. The Aari New Testament was published and distributed in 1997. The purpose of the translation believed that a mother tongue helps to understand the message of the Bible and enables believers to grow to Christlikeness. However, this crucial plan missed its target due to different internal and external factors at work in the context. The researcher discussed the problems, theories and studies done in other contexts in the literature. He also included detailing Aari perceptions of their language, impacted by internal, external and institutional factors. Lack of an integrated work between the translators, church leaders and members throughout the process of translation made the translation not to be owned by the people. The lack of ownership along with other social, political and cultural issues contributed to the low usage of the translation. The dominance of other languages and, lack of confidence in using the mother tongue in public hindered the progress of the vernacular language development. With regards to institutional issues, the lack of incorporated language planning with people, the non-existence of language maintenance, the choice of dialect and script that was not appropriate in the context all played an additional role in the process. The study concludes with some recommendations for how to increase the use of vernacular Scripture showing different available opportunities to change the attitude of the people. It also shows different ways to encourage the people to use Scripture more effectively.