Igala Language Project

Mission and Vision

Many people around the world don’t have the Bible in their own language. The Igala people of Nigeria are fortunate to have one—but not many can read it fluently. Our goal is to help change that by improving Bible reading fluency and understanding.

Rationale

In the U.S., kids spend years learning to read, with access to thousands of books at different levels. Igala readers, on the other hand, mostly have a primer and the Bible. That makes it tough to get good at reading.
The more books people have in their language, the easier it is to become fluent. Experts say the best way to encourage reading is to use materials written in the local language.
That’s why we are doing what we are doing: we have created Igala Fables and Bible Stories and other texts. These fun, meaningful booklets pair a traditional Igala story with a Bible story that shares a similar theme. The stories are interesting, familiar, and help show that the Bible isn’t so far off from everyday life.

A Quick History

1970 – The first Igala Bible is published.
Over the years – Igala becomes a required subject in schools, but without funding or enough materials. Some primers and books are made by churches and individuals, but not enough to build strong reading skills. Literacy classes are offered, but fluency is rare. Meanwhile, God is quietly working, bringing the right people together.
​2002 till the present
  • The idea for the Igala Language Project takes shape.
  • More and more people who care about reading and language begin to connect. 
  • Some start studying Igala grammar.
  • 2020 A new Bible translation—one that’s easier to read—is completed and published. 
  • Our booklets are written and shared.  More writing continues. 
  • Interest in the language and culture continues to grow.

How You Can Help

Pray:  Pray for the Igala people to grow in understanding and love for God’s Word. You can also check out updates under the Newsletters tab.
Use Your Skills:  We’d love your help! Email me at [email protected] if you're interested.
  • Can you rewrite Bible stories in simple English?
  • Translate English into Igala?
  • Do page layout or illustrations?
Buy Some Booklets:  Our fables booklets include both English and Igala, side by side—great for kids, families, friends, schools, missions classes, or church groups.  Cost:  $5 each + $1.25 shipping. To order, send a check to Esther Nordman at the address below, and write the title of the booklet on the memo line.
Right now we have Book 1, Book 2, and a beginner book for kids. Want to order in bulk? Email us to ask about discounts.


Giving

Monthly donations keep the project steady, and one-time gifts give us a boost. Your support helps more people learn to read and understand the Bible in Igala.
You can give online by clicking the DONATE button, or mail a check to:
Be sure to write ILP in the memo line.

Partners in Joy, Inc 
PO Box 380631
Duncanville, Texas 75138