KINGSTON, Jamaica–Plans to translate the Bible into patois - Jamaica's unofficial language - have ignited a fiery debate that stretches beyond the shores of this island nation.
Some Jamaicans object to the project because they say patois is an obscure dialect that dilutes the sanctity of scripture. Others view the translation as an empowering statement that affirms their heritage.
The debate continues as a Caribbean-based religious group searches for translators to help with the $1 million project.
Religious leaders say the audio translation would make the bible accessible to average churchgoers and to those who might not read it otherwise. It will take about 12 years to translate, said Rev. Courtney Stewart, who is overseeing the project as general secretary of the Bible Society of the West Indies. He is lobbying other international bible societies to help pay for the project and expects translators to start work by early July.
"Whenever the scriptures are translated into the country's language, it has a profound effect," he said. AP
