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Missions
Taskforce
Pinyin
people group
Cameroon, West Africa
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FACTS
ABOUT THE PINYIN PEOPLE
Data
about the Pinyin:
- About
26,900 people living in at least five villages in
the Mezam Division of Cameroon's Northwest Province.
- Five
villages are Mesoh, Meshi, Mentin, Buchi, and Menka.
- The
Pinyin are mainly subsistence farmers growing corn
and vegetables for their own use. Potatoes are a
cash crop.
- Live
in hilly country with their villages located along
the main road from Santa to Bali Nyonga.
- The
road, and two others, are motorable with taxis plying
them.
- Elevation
about 5,500 to 6,500 feet. Distinct rainy (mid-April
through mid-October) and dry seasons (mid-November
through mid-March). Temperature is relatively cool
year round.
- Four
health centers. A hospital is about 32 kilometers
away.
Society:
- Language
is called Pinyin.
- Each
village has its own "Fon" or chief with
a Paramount Fon having a palace in Pinyin.
- The
five villages more or less form one community.
- Menka
is in sociocultural conflict with the other four
villages.
- The
Pinyin have a taste for diverse social activities
and enjoy dancing. Each year, the "Lela,"
a famous dance, is performed at the palace.
- The
Fon may have 20 or more wives.
Religious
History:
- Predominately
animistic.
- Almost
all attend "church" but it is a very syncrestic
and fashionable experience. Traditional animistic
beliefs and practices have been combined with Christianity.
- It
is very difficult to distinguish true believers
from others.
- Some
churches have been established in the last 100 years,
but are seen as being impure or compromised with
animistic beliefs.
Translation
Needs:
- A
complete translation in the mother tongue.
- Mungaka
scriptures were once used but fewer understand the
language today.
- Pidgin
English is now used in services and translated into
Pinyin.
- Some
work has been done toward a translation.
- Illiteracy
is a hindrance and discouragement.
- Need
for the churches to work together on the project.
- Finances
are a challenge.
- A
strategy is in place with CABTAL (Cameroon Association
For Bible Translation and Literacy).
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