Corrections about language vitality and published scriptures of Apal (ena)

To whom it may concern,

I appreciate the fact that the publication of the Apal Scriptures was noted, but as the translation advisor on that project since 1985, I would like for the information to be corrected.  The Apal Scripture is a multi-language, multi-dialect book. The books of Mark, Titus, and Jude are in the non-central (Acɨ) dialect. The remaining NT books plus Genesis and Exodus are in the main (Akɨ) dialect. The remaining books of the OT were filled in with the Tok Pisin translation with special permission from the Bible Society of Papua New Guinea.This was done so that the people could carry a complete Bible to church.

A few years ago, the language was correctly labelled as endangered, but I see that it is once again labelled as stable.  Almost all children learn Tok Pisin as their first language now.  Most children under 20 are not fluent speakers of Apal. Unfortunately that is the current state of the language vitality. It is an endangered language.

There is much printed literature and digital literature in both dialects, but that material is not accessible on the internet.  The grammar paper will eventually be revised and published, but it has been used in the academic world for many years. 

Thank you for listening to this request to label the language as an endangered language.

Sincerely,

Dr. Martha L. Wade
Pioneer Bible Translators
Papua New Guinea