Overview
Bible Society Australia is partnering with the Bible Society of the South Pacific to digitise and revise the 1884 Tahitian Bible, ensuring wider access through apps and the internet. This project also aims to provide the first complete Bibles in Marquesan and Wallisian, transforming lives and equipping local churches by 2026.
This project for the Tahitian, Marquesan, and Wallisian Bibles addresses the linguistic and spiritual needs of these island communities. Tahitian is widely spoken in French Polynesia, while Marquesan dialects are used in the Marquesas Islands, and Wallisian is spoken on Wallis Island. Despite high literacy rates, many still rely on spoken language, emphasising the importance of accessible Scripture.
The project aims to provide contemporary translations that resonate with younger, tech-savvy generations while ensuring traditional texts remain available for older community members. By including the Deuterocanon, the translations will meet the specific needs of local congregations. This project is a critical step toward preserving cultural identity and fostering community cohesion, especially in a region grappling with both historical and contemporary social challenges.
Statistics:
- 95% of the Tahitian population is literate; many primarily speak Tahitian, making access to Scripture in their native language essential.
- 27½ years is the median age of individuals in the South Pacific, thus the need for accessible digital resources in heart languages.
- An estimated 20,000 Wallisian speakers — a significant population who would benefit from a Bible in their own language.
My Donation
South Pacific: Bible Translation for Island Communities
If the appeal is oversubscribed or the project changes due to unforeseen reasons, we will reallocate remaining funds to similar projects.
