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The Vwanji
Here’s the fourth group of people in the Mbeya region where we’ll be working. This article is from the Uganda-Tanzania website, www.thetask.net. Click on the ‘Mbeya People Groups’ category on the right sidebar to view the first three.
The Vwanji live in the high mountain ranges in the southwest of Tanzania. They can only be reached by a very steep dirt road with about 50 hairpin turns.
The Vwanji language is still very alive. They have tried to start a Bible translation project several times, but failed due to lack of knowledge and funds. Now that they are properly equipped the people are excited and highly motivated to see the Scriptures translated into their language.
Vwanji are proud of their language and culture.
(Vwanji, Tanzania)
(Vwanji, Tanzania)
Geography and Climate: Savannah, gallery forest
Population: 28,000 – 60,000
Cultural Information: The Vwanji are mainly farmers who grow potatoes, wheat, peas, maize, and other crops. The people don’t travel much and are regarded as friendly, unassuming, helpful and hospitable. The Vwanji community is a close-knit and cohesive group.
Economic Status: A long history of missionary presence there has resulted in a relatively high level of education.
Religion: Christian, traditional religion. Traditional sacrifices play quite a significant role in the Vwanji speaking area.
The Vwanji do not have a strong vision for language development and only some interest in mother tongue literacy. However, there is a very strong desire for a Vwanji Bible translation.
The gospel of Mark in Vwanji was first published in 1985. It was translated in the 1960s using what the Vwanji speakers call ” pure” Vwanji using old language, which is difficult for younger people to understand, and and old German related spelling system. Very few religious leaders own this book, but it is available.
The Translation Team: The team is made up of people from different churches—Lutheran and Pentecostal—who work together to translate the Word of God. Rev. Aaron M. and Mr. Steven N. (not pictured) are excited about what God is going to do through the newly translated Vwanji Scriptures.
The Vwanji Church: The main church in the area is the Lutheran Church. A Pentecostal church has also entered the area recently. Both churches have a strong desire for a Vwanji Bible translation and are willing to cooperate to make this happen. So the Bible translation ministry also is a major, key factor in bringing churches together!
History: Lutheran missionaries evangelized the Vwanji about hundred years ago and most Vwanji are professing Christians although there are still are many who follow traditional religion. The main church in the area is the Lutheran Church. The other denominations present in the area are the Catholic Church and some Pentecostal churches with small congregations.