Should languages spoken by smaller communities be actively preserved or allowed to die out? What is lost when a language dies? Does the use of a few, widely-spoken languages aid not only understanding, but equality and peace? These are just a few issues raised by a recent BBC article discussing the death of languages and comments posted in response to it.
When it comes to Christian mission and the spread of the Gospel, language has often been the key factor. In Revelation 7:9, John has a vision of people before the throne of God: “After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language …”
This Bible verse may serve as a strong motivational factor for mission strategy. The desire for salvation to come to people of every language has not only led to herculean efforts in Bible translation but also radio programme production.
In 1986 Feba signed up to World by Radio – a group of international Christian radio organisations committed to providing radio signal coverage so that everyone can turn on a radio and hear the Gospel in a language they understand. This usually meant languages spoken by 1 million or more people. Feba, often in partnership with others, took its share in getting some of these languages on air either through programme production or covering airtime costs.
It was this focus on languages that led to this question cropping up time and again: How many languages does Feba broadcast in? The number used to appear on our literature without fail. Did this number somehow equate with effective ministry, efficiency or donors’ gifts well spent?
Broadcasting to Africa, South and Central Asia and the Middle East, Feba has always worked hard at getting close to its listeners’ world. This is clearly seen in local programme production with programmes produced in the listeners’ heart language, wherever possible in-country by local followers of Jesus.
Yes, heart language is important but there is more to broadcasting hope than just getting it in the listeners’ language. Of course, there needs to be comprehension but getting close to our listeners is so much more than just language. Do we become so focused on language that we become blind to other important factors such as life experience, social issues, or methods of communication?
As Feba is breaking new ground in the use of community FM radio opportunities in many parts of Africa and Asia, it has been our experience that there is more to community than language.
Community FM radio provides programme content that is unique to the community. Through broadcasting relevant and reliable information community stations build up trusted relationships. They give information on issues such as swine flu, or tackle the stigma of HIV/AIDS through education. Alcohol or domestic abuse problems can be addressed significantly boosting personal and community development.
Inter-faith dialogue can help reduce religious tension in a community, improving the quality of life. Partnerships can be forged with humanitarian organisations and local government officials, enabling the community to take leaders to task and hold them accountable. As listeners phone in or visit the station their interests are given an on-air ‘voice’, indicating grassroots empowerment.
Community radio is radio that listens. With the focus on language, we are all too ready to speak. Relationships need conversation. In the communities we serve, we are radio in word and deed, enhancing the lives of local families, leading people and communities closer to Jesus.
Also read this BBC News article: The death of language?