Gbanu Language
The Gbanu language is also called Gbànù, Banu, or Banou. It has Ethnologue code gbv and is spoken in the Central African Republic.
Scriptures in Gbanu
The first Scriptures into Gbanu (en Banou) were the New Testament books of Matthew, Mark, John and Acts, the Old Testament books of Genesis and Jonah, published between 1932 and 1939. The Gospel of Mark called Dé-oui̲ne Nzapa kè Marc (L'Évangile selon Marc en Banou) was published in 1932. The Gospel of John called Dé Oui̲ne nzapa kè Jean (L'Évangile selon Jean en Banou) was published in 1934. The Book of Acts called Dēmo kē Apôtre o (Actes en Banou) was published in 1937. The Gospel of Matthew called Dé‐Oui̱ne Nzapa kè Matthieu (L'Évangile selon Matthieu en Banou) was published in 1938. The books of Genesis and Jonah were published as Genèse (Genèse en Banu) and Jonas (Jonas en Banu) in 1939.
Translators
These books were translated by Mrs Carrie Ethel Hathaway (1886-1979). She was born in Canada, and was the wife of John Wesley Hathaway (1888-1954) who was born in Wisconsin, USA. They came with the Oubangui-Chari Brethren Mission, Yaloke. They were assisted by Joseph Nguende (son of an influential Banu chief), Marc Volongou, Timothée Minimo, and Jean Mbo.
Publication
These were printed in England (Imprimé en Angleterre) by the British and Foreign Bible Society (Société Biblique Britannique et Étrangère).
Digital Edition
The Gbanu portions were digitised for the British and Foreign Bible Society with the help of MissionAssist in 2024.
