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What is language? “Language is more than syntax and morphology; it is the vehicle for assuming the weight of a culture,” writes John Pobee, quoted in Michel Kenmogne’s Foreword to this volume. More than that: language is a theological category, for God speaks. It is the mission of God to make himself known, and he chooses to reveal himself by speaking, by using language. It is because we are made in the image of God that we also speak, that we have the capacity to use language.

“This book,” writes Michel Kenmogne in his Foreword, “aims to establish the value of language as a theological and missiological category.” It is more than a means of communication. It is central to human flourishing and is a key instrument in the mission of God. “What if language is not just a rough instrument in the hands of clumsy people, not just something useful and occasionally poetic, but something that can be divine, sacred, expressive of the very image of God?” writes Chip Sanders in chapter 11.

Most chapters of this book began life as papers presented at SIL’s God and Language Forum in September 2020. The 30 authors explore different aspects of the role of language in the mission of God, including exegesis of key biblical narratives, studies of language in the Bible, examinations of how language relates to some contemporary social and development issues, the role of oral communication, and the translation of language.

Note the word “exploring” in the title of this book. Consider these chapters “working papers” and as such they need further work and refinement through the process of peer review. We welcome readers’ reviews.

Please send your reviews and other feedback to us at godandlanguage@sil.org

About the publisher

The vision of SIL International is to see people flourishing in community using the languages they value most. To this end, inspired by God’s love, we advocate, build capacity, and work with local communities to apply language expertise which advances meaningful development, education, and engagement with Scripture.

Proceeds from the sale of this book are going towards language projects in which SIL is involved, and which contribute to people’s flourishing. Contributors to the book are being invited to submit proposals. Naming a higher price when you purchase this book is a way of contributing to these projects.

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