The Sagso people number almost 6,000,000 people, living on an island homeland in SE Asia.
Sagso history is complex, but the people group coalesced from a series of kingdoms in the 15th and 16th centuries. Early colonial rulers did little to interact with or Christianize them. In the centuries to come, they came under the influence of the nearby Islamic kingdoms, and eventually, the vast majority of Sagso people converted to Islam.
The worldview of the Sagso people remains firmly tied to Islam to this day. However, it is a form of Islam highly influenced by their former animistic religious practice. Most Sagso people will carry out traditional ceremonies such as killing a chicken in offering to the spirits whenever they begin a new enterprise or build something.
The Sagso people make their living from agricultural activities like farming or raising livestock, though many also fish and trade, especially those who live along the coast. Another remarkable thing that the people are known for is their traditional handicrafts, including hand-forged blades and unique tapestries and textiles.
GSI is partnering with sending churches from the midwest and pacific coast to live and work among the Sagso people.
Dec. 12, 2022
“About three weeks ago, I took the latest draft of my first book, “How Big is the Universe?” to a men’s hangout to get more input on the translation. I have been to this hangout a few times in the evening, but it has not been helpful for language learning as the environment is not conducive for controlled conversation. However, this particular visit was great.
When I arrived at the small house, the only person in the living area was Ivan*, a quiet man just a couple of years older than I was. After we visited for a while, I decided to try the science book on him, asking for his input.
To my surprise, he listened attentively through the entire book (eighteen short pages) and seemed eager to give suggestions for how to word things differently. He even asked if he could take the text home to reread it. Of course, I was delighted that he was that engaged and glad for whatever he might do with it.
Last week, I returned to the same spot, and Ivan had filled a few pages worth of written suggestions for the text of my science book. I was impressed with how well he could write in the Sagso language and the insights he could provide to improve the translation.
He recommended we get together some evening so he can watch me make the corrections on my laptop. That way, he said, he can compare wordings side-by-side and decide which sounds more natural. Wow, that was more than I expected!”
