‘Simply and in a Malagasy way of thinking …’
Madagascar is not to be confused with its namesake in the Disney movie! It is the 4th largest island in the world. In 2011 it was ranked the 11th poorest country in the world. That has not changed significantly. 70% of the population in 2011 lived below the poverty line of $1 per day.
In 2012, the population of Madagascar was estimated at just over 22 million, 90% of whom lived on less than two dollars per day. Half the population is Christian, with about 50% Catholic and the rest belonging to various Protestant denominations. Malagasy is a literary language, spoken by more than 90% of the population, and abroad in significant communities in Francophone Africa, France, the USA and Canada.
It was a privilege for Langham Literature to be invited to partner with an eager and efficient team of translators to produce a Malagasy translation of the Africa Bible Commentary.
And on Sunday 12 October the Malagasy translation of the Africa Bible Commentary (ABC) was launched with a celebratory open-air service in Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar.
The event was organized by the translation team, in conjunction with the Malagasy Bible Society, Fikambanana Mampiely Baiboly Malagasy (FMBM), who also distributes the Commentary in Madagascar. Pieter Kwant, Luke Lewis and Solomon Andria from Langham Literature attended.
For FMBM this event was part of a week-long series of youth events on the theme ‘God’s Word as the Light in my Life’ in preparation for the celebration DV in 2015 of the 180th anniversary of the first Malagasy Bible translation – the oldest mother-tongue translation in Africa! At the same time the Malagasy Bible Society will celebrate their 50th anniversary.
From 13.30 on the Sunday afternoon, people were filing into the purpose-built amphitheatre belonging to the association of churches in Antananarivo. Dark evergreen trees mellowed the sun beating down from blue skies above. Outside, purple flowering jacarandas added to the festive mood. Eleven church choirs had been invited to take part – some denominational, like the largest Lutheran Choir in Antananarivo or the Evangelical Choir, others interdenominational like the UGBM (IFES) student choir, or choirs from rural areas who also represented different tribes.
The variety in musical styles, the skill of the choir conductors and the enthusiasm of the singers created a spectacular and deeply joyful atmosphere. It reminded us of an observation John Stott makes in his book The Birds our Teachers about how unique among the religions of the world Christian singing is.
Three copies of the very handsome Hevitenin’ny Baiboly (Malagasy Bible Commentary) were displayed on a table in front of the main stage.
The audience represented believers from all the main denominations, as well as dignitaries, such as the Mayor of Antananarivo Mr Ny Hasina Andriamanjato, and two Malagasy Academy Members Dr Frédéric Randriamamonjy and Mrs Esther Randriamamonjy.
One of the most exciting aspects of the Malagasy Bible Commentary is its potential to unite believers across the significant local denominational divides.
The Commentary was introduced by Rev Yvette Rabemila, translator and member of the Committee of Reference of the Malagasy ABC Project. She referred to Acts 8 – Philip meeting the man reading Isaiah and asking ‘Do you know what you are reading?’ This is exactly the purpose of the BMF, she explained: ‘it helps us understand the meaning of the Bible for ourselves!’
Next Dr Solomon Andria spoke. As a Madagascan from birth, there was no doubt that this translation was very close to his heart.
He spoke passionately about how the vision for this book had started, way back in 1974 at a gathering of African theologians who asserted that the Bible is not just a book ‘for the North’ but also for Africa. ‘This book explains simply, and in a Malagasy way of thinking, the word of God.
Some comments in the original ABC were difficult to understand, others had no meaning in the context of Madagascan life. But these things have been attended to by the local team of
translators during the 4 years it took to complete.’ Solomon thanked all the contributors, particularly remembering those who have departed since, Dr Tokunboh Adeyemo, the general editor of the original ABC, as well as Dr Kwame Bediako and one of the contributing pastors.
He concluded: ‘This is not just a commentary using Malagasy words, it uses Malagasy
meanings! May you become the salt of the earth!’
After a a choral interlude, Prof Christiane Ravelomanana Randriamampionona, senior lecturer at the University of Antananarivo spoke. She had led the team of translators. Those who were present stood to receive applause from the audience. ‘As a group we did not know each other when we started’, she said. ‘But God put us together and he gave us the ability to do this work.’
The criteria for selecting those who participated were rigorous: they had to have a thorough knowledge of Malagasy, as well as French, and several are fluent in English. They also needed to know the Bible. Some were skilled in the technology used in translation. They all worked part time while continuing their professions. ‘Those who have worked on it know how difficult it is to translate into Malagasy from a Western language – translating from a Western way of thinking to the East … we speak from the heart. Also, there are not yet clear and exact rules for Malagasy grammar – and there are regional differences. This all made it difficult.’ She explained the six steps they followed:
1) discuss the text;
2) translate it for ordinary people;
3) identify parts that are not clear in meaning;
4) correct the text and check it for understanding; 5) general coordination and
6) theological checking. Christiane concluded: ‘I can testify we received God’s grace during the execution of this work. To God be all the glory!’
There were more choir contributions. Then Pieter Kwant shared about the Langham Partnership vision. He said since visiting Madagascar he understood much better how important a local translation is for the people of Madagascar and particularly for pastors. Pieter thanked the translation team for their professionalism and efficiency. For Langham it was a privilege to have had the opportunity to partner with them and so experience the joy of being part of one, worldwide church of Jesus Christ!
Another group of choirs delighted the audience. Then Rev Charles Walter Randriamampianina, Lutheran Church pastor, member of the Committee of Reference thanked Langham. He singled out Solomon Andria – and quipped how the ‘Solomons’ truly have brought blessing to Madagascar! The Commentary is ‘a great achievement for Madagascar’. The Bible is often quoted as a best-selling book, but it is not always the best-read book, he noted. And that is because it is hard to understand. ‘The words in this Commentary will help people understand the meaning of the words of God.’ Finally he particularly thanked the FMBM for the special event discount they have made available to all who would purchase a copy at the event. The local price is 70,000 Ariary, but on this Sunday, it was sold for 65,000 Ariary –the minimum monthly salary is 100,000 Ariary but many workers earn less than this amount.
A spontaneous choir erupted in the audience after the closing prayer: ‘We thank Jesus who is alive! And we remember that it is now up to each one of us to use this book that has been presented – it will help us understand the Bible. May God bless this work and may his power be with us and as we leave, and may he put his peace in each person’s heart.’
Over nibbles people were talking excitedly. Several were dreaming of projects they could write in Malagasy – this book has galvanized them. There is so little for pastors to read in their own language, even less originated in their own context. This book is not just a gift to the church but also a blessing to the wider culture that could make a significant contribution to the Malagasy literary heritage. To God be the glory!
Notes:
Pascal Ratovona, part of the translation coordinating team, used to serve with IFES at national level and the Francophone Africa region. He was one of the founders of ISTE, Institut Supérieur de Théologie Evangélique à Antananarivo where he also taught. He has just retired from this position !!
