Owa BSSP Edition (STNBSP)

Overview

The New Testament in the Owa language of the Solomon Islands, published in 2005 by the Bible Society of the South Pacific. Owa is an Austronesian language of the Southeast Solomonic branch, spoken in the southern part of the island of Makira (San Cristobal) as well as on the islands of Owaraha (Santa Ana) and Owariki (Santa Catalina). ^[1] The language was formerly referred to as “Santa Ana” in linguistic literature, and several Anglican publications by the Church of the Province of Melanesia have appeared in it since 1938. ^[1] The translation work contributed to broader linguistic documentation of the language, including the development of a comprehensive Owa dictionary published by De Gruyter, compiled by translation team members and linguistic advisors using SIL’s Toolbox software. ^[2]

Language and People

Owa (ISO 639-3: stn) is spoken by approximately 8,410 people in Solomon Islands. [Glottolog: owaa1237]

Owa speakers reside in three main communities: Star Harbour on Makira, Santa Catalina, and Santa Ana, each with its own dialect. ^[1] The Owa Translation Committee, consisting of representatives from all three communities, oversaw both the Bible translation and associated language development projects. ^[2]

Publishing and Organizations

Published by BS in the South Pacific, Suva, Fiji. Translation type: First.

References

• [1] Owa language - Wikipedia - Linguistic overview of the Owa language including dialects and classification.
• [2] New dictionary describes Owa, a language of the Solomon Islands - SIL International - SIL article on the Owa dictionary and translation committee.
• Audio Bible - Audio Bible, Faith Comes By Hearing
• NT - Online text, Faith Comes By Hearing
• find.bible entry - find.bible. Bible catalogue entry for STNBSP.
• Global Bible Catalogue - Global Bible Catalogue entry.
• ebible.org entry - ebible.org.