History of Shan Churches in Burma 1861-2001 - Khamkoo

Shan Bible, Hymnbook, Radio, Literature 166
some suspicion on the leader who kept the money. 4 (The money Kyat 50,000 was missing when
responsible leaders took the money to the bank) 5
On December 28 there was an opening ceremony of Cushing Memorial Hall at MyoMa Church.
There was an honoring program for 58 pastors, 103 people who have achieved higher education and 23
people who have higher position in civil services. 273 people baptized during this occasion. Such mass
baptism only happens at such special occasion.
New Shan Bible Translation
The Shan literature and writing system used hundred years ago is not easy to read, pronounce
and get the correct meaning. Shan language is a tonal language. Different tone from the same word may
give different meaning. Shan language has six tones apart from other special sounds. As mentioned on
page 10, in old writing system, one word can give six to ten different meanings depend on the tone
make on that word. Rev. Cushing used this Shan writing in translating Shan Bible one hundred years
ago. It is therefore difficult to read Shan Bible, understand and get correct meaning in one reading. A
reader has to read again and again for a few time to get the right tone and right meaning. The reader
may not understand and get the right meaning in first reading. That is why many Shan are trying to read
Burmese or other Bible, which is easier to understand, instead of Shan. Shan literary committee in
Burma has modified the old and invented new Shan writing system in 1958, which can be used in
writing, reading and getting the correct meaning without difficulty and mistake. It is more accurate.
Beginning of New Shan Bible Translation
Burma Bible Society in 1968 had appointed Aung Htun Shwe and Myint Lay to do new
translation on New Testament with new Shan writing. Myint Lay stopped doing translation after a few
years because of drug addiction. After 15 years of hard work Aung Htun Shwe completed the new
translation on New Testament by himself. When his new translation was about to be published many
Shan Christian leaders did not agree with his translation. Finally his new translation was abandoned.
Shan Bible Translation Workshop
Some participants in Bible Translation Workshop in 1985, Thailand
United Bible Societies organized a “Shan Bible Translation Workshop” in HangNam, Northern
Thailand, from July 1 to 11, 1985. Dr. David J. Clark was acting as translation consultant for Shan
4 As interviewed with Rev. Sai Nyunt Tha on March 3, 2003. ThaCheLeik.
5 As interviewed with U Kyaw Hla on March 16, 2003. LaShio.