BOTSWANA SIGN LANGUAGE BIBLE TRANSLATION

The Bible Society of Botswana aims to address a crucial need by translating the Bible into Sign language, enabling Deaf believers to fellowship, grow, and serve God independently.

The marginalized Deaf community in Botswana faces various challenges. They lack access to the Bible in their native Heart-Botswana Sign Language, a concern they raised during a consultative meeting in March 2020. The initiative aligns with the Bible Society of Botswana’s mission to provide Bible access in preferred languages and formats, effectively addressing this crucial need by offering the Bible in Botswana Sign Language.

Currently, very few churches accommodate Deaf individuals in their services and Bible studies, leading to disinterest among the Deaf In attendinq church due to feelina excluded. While some churches use interpreters to bridge the communication gap, this

approach falls short of providing a personal connection to the Holy Scriptures. The absence of the Bible in Botswana Sign Language hinders the Deaf’s direct engagement with God’s teachings.The project seeks to transform the situation by facilitating discussions on Gods word in Sign Language.

This could lead to establishment of Deaf churches, enabling unhindered worship, learning, and service. The Botswana Sign Language Bible will remove text comprehension barriers, profoundly impacting the Deaf community’s spiritual path.