JWs translate educational materials in Chavacano dialect
Despite the poor signal and the Covid pandemic, Jehovah’s Witnesses have translated several books, magazines and videos for children in Chavacano dialect. They offer it for free. (Photos by Jehovah’s Witnesses)
Teachers and parents in Zamboanga who wish to teach their children good manners and right conduct in Chavacano dialect have found an ally among Jehovah’s Witnesses (JWs) .
For more than 10 years now, JWs have been translating easy-to-read and easy-to-understand books, magazines as well as videos for the more than 700,000 native Chavacano speakers in Mindanao, according to the Public Information Desk (PID) of JWs in Manila.
There is a dearth of supply of reading materials in Chavacano, the only Spanish-based creole in Asia, and many residents in Zamboanga City, where Chavacano is spoken, do not have books at home due to poverty.
Although the JWs primarily translate publications for religious reasons, they are also committed to translate materials that promote strong family ties, moral character upbuilding and social skills development, said the PID.
Despite the poor internet connection, intermittent power interruptions and the Covid-19 pandemic, a pool of unpaid volunteers based in Zamboanga have translated materials that contain topics on managing stress and anxiety, child-rearing, parenting, youth-related concerns and family life.
Among the videos which parents and children have found helpful are “Maga Video Game: Ta Ganá Ba Gayot Tu?” (Video Games: Are You Really Winning?), “No Permiti que Queda Malo De Tuyu Vida Por Causa na Pumada” (Don’t Let Your Life Go Up In Smoke), and “Con Cuidao na Usada de Social-Network” (Be Social Network-Smart).
JWs, who are known internationally for their work in translating the Bible and Bible publications, find the use of mother-tongue languages as an efficient way of helping communities learn practical Bible advice.
The PID assured the public that the educational materials are free for those interested to obtain a printed copy. Videos and digital copies are also downloadable for free through https://www.jw.org/cbk.
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