Profile Year: 2016 People and Language Detail Profile Language Name: Amarasi ISO Language Code: aaz
The Amarasi of Indonesia Amarasi farmers cultivate Indonesia’s Timor Island, where most people live in the mountainous interior. Families farm small plots of land for food to eat and sell. They also raise livestock, such as chickens, cattle, and pigs. Their monsoon climate determines each year’s rhythm of life. They can only grow crops during a short, intense rainy season, then store food for the extended drought from April to December. Christianity was introduced early in the 21st century and more than 99 percent call themselves Christian. It brought with it church schools, offering three years of study to all children. Therefore, literacy is widespread, but most reading and writing is limited to the national Indonesian language. Translation is being drafted by a group of mother tongue photo by Magdalena & Thomas CC speakers, based on a translation in progress in the related, regional Creole language, Kupang Malay. God has called farmers, other Primary Religion: local people and a university professor to work on this team. Christian ______Amarasi pastors, working part time, help revise the drafts. Disciples (Matt 28:19): They gain more understanding of God’s Word by using translated Most portions to teach their congregations. Believers are encouraged in ______their personal faith, as they use heart language Scriptures in Churches: Yes church, in groups, and in personal Bible study ______Scripture Status (Matt 28:20): In progress ______Population (date): 70,000 (2011) ______
The Amarasi of Indonesia ______
Have They Heard The Gospel?
Response to the Gospel Highly responsive
Estimated Number of Christian 99%
Is the Word of God Translated? In progress: New Testament and Genesis
Other Forms of Gospel Presentations Recordings: Bible overview; Lazarus; Mark; Parable of the Sower Literature: Poetry. Newspapers. NT: 2015. Most is in Kotos dialect. Films/videos: Bible overview; Christian life; Lazarus; Parable of the Sower
Bilingualism Most Amarasi people are literate in Indonesian
Language of Wider Communication or Trade Language Indonesian [ind]
The Amarasi of Indonesia ______
Group Description
Population all countries World Population 70,000 World Population (Date) 2011
Geography & Environment Location Nusa Tenggara Timur Province, southwest tip, Timor island, Kupang regency; on Timur sea near Benini point east to Ela point, interior as far north as Oesa town: 80 villages.
Climate Monsoon
Language Alternate Names Timor Amarasi, Uab Meto Dialects Kotos, Ro’is, Ro’is Tais Nonof, Ro’is Hero (Kopa). Part of Uab Meto language chain. Other Mother Tongues Indonesian Linguistically Related Baikeno [bkx]. Uab Meto [aoz]
Neighboring Languages Uab Meto, Kupang Malay
Literacy
Adult Literacy Percentage Widespread, though mostly limited to Indonesian
Active Literacy Program Yes
Economics Subsistence Type Agricultural Products/Crafts Gardens and livestock such as chickens, cattle and pigs Income Sources Garden vegetables
The Amarasi of Indonesia ______
Community Development Diet (Quality) Good
Education--Group Description % Eligible Enrolled: 100% Language Of Instruction Indonesian
Religion Religion Christian Percent of Population 99%
The Amarasi of Indonesia ______
Status of Christianity
History of Christianity Year Began Early 21st Century
Religion and Response
Translation status In progress since 1998
Spiritual Climate and Openness: 99% Christian, very open to the Scriptures
Attitude toward Christianity Same