Bible Translation

While in the secular world, the mother-tongue debate is continuing in Timor-Leste,  the Timorese Bible translators are moving forward, not just with Tetun, but also Mambae. Rob Duncanson shares the news. This is a tremendously exciting blog post - but I will let it speak for itself.

Teaching children about Timor-Leste

I am currently in the middle of a unit of work at Marrara Christian College where I am doing my practicum, teaching the children about Timor-Leste. They are learning about the people, place and culture as well as some basic words and phrases in Tetun. Their enthusiasm is wonderful to behold, and they go home and tell their parents all about it!
This unit of work is aimed at middle primary but can be modified for any primary classes. If anyone would like a copy of the material I have put together, let me know at: grasa DOT mesak AT gmail DOT com (replacing 'AT' with '@' and 'DOT' with '.')

Tetun for beginners #3

A note to explain the title of the second book:

Mundu is world. You can see the Portugese influence here, can't you?

Ne'ebé is which. The pronoun ne'e is that, this or it.

Maromak is the Tetun word for God.

Halo is the verb to make. Tetun is easy, my teacher told me. Verbs never change form. After struggling with the French language for years as a teenager, I must agree that verbs that stay right where they are certainly is a blessing!

Tetun for beginners #2

Timotio Nia Istoria is translated as Timothy's Story.
Nia is the attributive possessive pronoun. It follows the personal pronoun.
Ha'u is the pronoun I or me.
Thus, my book is ha'u nia livru.

Tetun for Beginners #1

If you have wondered about our imprint, our name, Grasa Mesak, and want to know what it means, please let me translate:

Grasa means grace.
Mesak means only or alone.
Thus Grasa Mesak is translated as Grace Alone. Or if you prefer it in Latin, Sola Gratia.