My name is Jennifer Ungacta Stafford, taotao Otdot and a member of i familian Dinggo’. I am currently a student at the University of Guam’s Micronesia Area Research Center, where I have been learning how to conduct research on CHamoru language and culture.
Since beginning my own study of fino’ CHamoru in 2020, I have found that clear and consistent rules for written CHamoru have increased my confidence in using the language. I was encouraged to learn that the Kumisión i Fino’ CHamoru, reestablished in 2016, had formalized a standardized writing system through the Utugrafihan CHamoru, Guåhan, which provided a good foundation for my own language study.
As a longtime student of the Bible in various modern translations, I began searching in 2021 for a CHamoru bible to deepen both my linguistic and spiritual understanding. After nearly a year of searching, I was delighted to discover that such a translation existed in the form of Y Santa Biblia, a “partial Bible” first published in 1908 containing the Psalms, the four Gospels, and the Acts of the Apostles. However, I also found that it was written in a Spanish-influenced orthography that differs greatly from how CHamoru is written today.
Since discovering and reading Y Santa Biblia for myself, I have felt strongly that it could be a valuable resource for learners at all stages of their CHamoru language-learning journey. I have been privileged to take part in the CHamoru Culture & Language Researcher Program since August 2023, where I have been trained to conduct research to support language and cultural revitalization. This training, combined with my passion for the CHamoru language and deep appreciation for Y Santa Biblia, inspired me to begin updating this historical text to modern CHamoru orthography for use by today’s learners.
Compare the Gospel of Mark in 1908 and modern CHamoru orthography.
Compare the Gospel of Mark in modern 2025 orthography to the American Standard Version (ASV, public domain).
Put fabót, comment with an observation or question and I will respond to each one as best I can.
Si Yu’os ma’åse’!