The translation of the Book of Ruth into the Caló Chibi language represents a crucial step for the preservation of the language and culture of the Roma community in Brazil. This project, spearheaded by the Brazilian Bible Society, strengthens intergenerational bonds, highlighting themes of migration, family, and cultural tradition.
The Book of Ruth in Caló Chibi: Preserving Roma Culture in Brazil
The translation of the Bible into Caló Chibi, a language spoken by part of the Roma community in Brazil, marks a groundbreaking moment in the history of linguistic preservation in the country.
For decades, Roma communities have preserved their traditions orally, but the lack of written texts in their language has made it challenging to pass down their cultural heritage to new generations. To address this need, the Brazilian Bible Society (SBB) and various collaborators undertook the first complete translation of a book of the Bible—the Book of Ruth—with the aim of reinforcing this ethnic group’s sense of belonging.
A Project Born from Collaboration and the Relevance of the Book of Ruth
During the 6th National Meeting on Roma Evangelization, held in Maringá, this unique version of the Book of Ruth in Caló Chibi was unveiled.
The translation was the result of a collective effort that began during the Indigenous Bible Translators (TIB) course in 2012. Although initially designed for indigenous languages, the involvement of Roma translators broadened the project’s scope. This initiative transformed the biblical story of Ruth, which deals with themes such as family, nomadism, and migration, into a cultural mirror for the Roma community.
The Book of Ruth is notable for its narrative on loyalty, redemption, and the integration of a foreigner into an unfamiliar land. At first glance, these themes may seem universal.
However, for the Roma population in Brazil, the story carries particular resonance, emphasizing critical aspects such as the continuity of family traditions and adaptation to new lands. Missionary Igor Shi, from the Friends of the Roma Mission, highlighted that this first complete text in Caló Chibi gives Roma families a sense of validation by seeing themselves reflected in a biblical narrative that echoes elements of their daily lives.
The Weight of Tradition, an Endangered Language, and the Role of the Brazilian Bible Society
Caló Chibi, also known as Calon Chibi, is spoken by approximately 680,000 people in Brazil, although its use has declined sharply in some communities.
Roma children and adolescents in Brazil are often educated in formal schools where Portuguese is the main language, with little to no exposure to educational materials in their own language. As a result, many become disconnected from their linguistic and cultural heritage.
This vulnerability underscores why projects like the translation of the Book of Ruth are essential to preventing the gradual extinction of Caló Chibi.
The SBB, renowned for its extensive history in translating and disseminating Scriptures in multiple languages, embraced this challenge with enthusiasm. Paulo Teixeira, its Secretary of Translation and Publication, stated that this initiative plays a decisive role in preserving the Roma language.
He also emphasized the importance of training new native translators, who contribute their expertise in phonetics and semantics to create faithful and comprehensible versions. The success of this initial effort with Ruth fuels the vision of continuing to translate other parts of the Bible and even disseminating additional religious and cultural texts in Caló Chibi.
Collaborations with Organizations and Communities
Religious movements, civil associations, and governmental organizations have joined this endeavor.
For example, evangelical and Catholic groups have initiated workshops and courses for Caló Chibi speakers, enabling young people and adults to learn to read and write in their language. These initiatives not only strengthen the faith of the Roma community but also create spaces for their oral traditions to be recorded in writing for long-term preservation.
However, the project extends beyond the religious domain, as preserving a language entails rescuing an ancestral identity and generating diverse content in areas such as music and literature.
Nevertheless, the officialization of a biblical text in Caló Chibi is just the beginning.
Creating more resources in this language requires a committed team of linguists, translators, and cultural advisors, as well as financial investment and a comprehensive action plan. The scarcity of educational materials and the lack of specialized training remain significant obstacles. However, each step forward reinforces the notion that the Roma language must not disappear but rather thrive as a valuable contributor to Brazil’s cultural heritage.
The Strength of Identity, Faith, and Future Perspectives
For Roma families, the translation of the Bible into Caló Chibi reaffirms the dignity of their ancestral heritage.
By reading sacred words in their own language, they experience a sense of spiritual closeness that transcends borders. Additionally, it fosters a generational connection that revives legends, customs, and traditional practices. In this way, the community is strengthened and integrated into broader society without relinquishing its identity.
The mission to translate the Scriptures into Caló Chibi serves as a starting point for broader cultural initiatives. The publication of the Book of Ruth has paved the way for the creation of manuals, dictionaries, and liturgical materials to promote the use of this language in various contexts.
Similarly, developing intercultural literacy projects will benefit younger generations, offering them the opportunity to explore their roots. This effort, driven by civil society, religious institutions, and the Roma people themselves, embodies the hope that the Caló Chibi language will be preserved and revived with renewed vitality.
Ultimately, this translation sets a precedent that could be replicated in other communities at risk of losing their language. Although the challenge is immense, the determination of those involved and the significance of translation demonstrate that language is not merely a means of communication but an essential pillar for the continuity of any culture.
Mike Rivero — Bible, Brazil, and the Roma People
