The Mənta and Hya live in Adamawa State, Nigeria along the Cameroonian border (some Hya people live in Cameroon as well). The Mənta (known also as Mukta) originated from a nearby mountain of the same name. Although they speak the same language as the Hya, culturally the Mənta are part of the Fali people along with the speakers of Kəryə, Konzəl, Madzara, Vin, Huli, šwin, and Zhilvu. The common name for the language spoken by the Mənta and Hya is Higi, a term sometimes used for the Kamwe and Psikye as well.
Currently there are no literacy programs available for them in their local language, but the village leaders say that the people would be interested in learning to read and write their own language.
Hausa is the official church language among the Mənta. Many church-goers own Bibles, but only in English or Hausa. Although there is a new Testament in Kamwe, few Mənta understand it. Some Christian radio programs are broadcast in the area in Hausa and several other languages.
A deacon from a Baptist church in one Mənta village states that Bible translation is needed because people understand their heart language more easily than Hausa or English. The Hya in Cameroon are using the Psikye New Testament. Little is known about the Hya in Nigeria. Perhaps they are using the Kamwe New Testament; perhaps it is too difficult for them to understand.
Scripture Prayers for the Kamwe, Higi in Nigeria.
| Profile Source: Anonymous |
