Krapf and Zännäb’s collaborators in Oromo Bible translation

[work in progress]

Introduction

Johann Ludwig Krapf was very gifted in languages and had learned some Oromo in Ankober in the early 1840s. However, he was dependent on the help of a native speaker, Barkii, to translate the biblical scriptures into the Oromo language.

In 1866, Krapf was able to resume the translation project thanks to the formerly enslaved Ruufoo‘s stay in Germany. In addition to coordinating the project (including fundraising), Krapf’s own contribution consisted in particular of checking the accuracy of the translation in comparison with the Greek or Hebrew text of the Bible, preparing the fair copy for the printer, and proofreading the galley proofs.

The project presented Krapf with particular challenges, as he was only able to work with Oromos on-site for a limited period of time. For several years, he could only consult the manuscripts that Aläqa Zännäb had sent him from the Horn of Africa. These translations were also a team effort, as Aläqa Zännäb had worked together with the Oromo native speakers Shoolaan, Waaree, Jaagan, and Gäbrä Maryam. Aläqa Zännäb knew some of these Oromos from his time at the court of Emperor Tewodros II.

Aläqa Zännäb died in 1876. Some manuscripts with translations came into the possession of the St. Chrischona missionary Johann Jacob Greiner. He continued the translation project in Ankober with the help of his Oromo students (especially Yooseef Gaaluu). Unfortunately, these translations remained unpublished, as most of Greiner’s luggage was stolen during his return journey in 1886.

(1) New Testament

1.1 Translations edited by Krapf in Ankober

John 1‒5 (publ. 1839):

Matthew (publ. 1841):

  • Barkii

Mark, Luke, John, Acts, and Romans (manuscripts, around 1841):

  • Barkii
1.2 Translations edited by Krapf in Korntal (and St. Chrischona)

Luke (publ. 1870):

John (publ. 1871):

  • [Ruufoo
  • Aläqa Zännäb (probl. with Shoolaan, Waaree, and Jaagan)]

Matthew and Mark (publ. 1875):

  • Ruufoo
  • Aläqa Zännäb with Shoolaan, Waaree, and Jaagan

Galatians to Revelation (publ. 1876):

  • Ruufoo
  • Aläqa Zännäb with Shoolaan, Waaree, and Jaagan

New Testament (publ. 1876):

  • Ruufoo
  • Aläqa Zännäb with Shoolaan, Waaree, and Jaagan

(2) Old Testament

2.1 Translations edited by Krapf in Ankober

Genesis (manuscript, around 1841):

  • Barkii
2.2 Translations edited by Krapf in Korntal and St. Chrischona

Genesis (publ. 1872):

  • Aläqa Zännäb with Jaagan

Psalms (publ. 1872):

  • Aläqa Zännäb with Waaree

Exodus (publ. 1877):