Translating Wisdom Through Context

By: Henok Elias

Polyglot Dr. Richard Benton is passionate about learning the languages of his neighbors – especially marginalized neighbors. He has been learning Afan Oromo of late. How can he, and we, help Afan Oromo speaking peoples best articulate their entrepreneurial, familial, and rural wisdom in the context of 21st Century Minneapolis/St. Paul?

Struggling to connect with language love

With the current senseless border skirmishes in our beloved Ethiopia and Eritrea, it is important for us to learn the relationship betwixt learning our neighbors’ languages and pursuing peace. When we are humble enough to shut up and listen, great things can happen. What if we are not the center of the known universe? What if people who speak other languages than us can have insight that we don’t? What if patience is a virtue? What if a paradigm shift can come from active listening and a softened heart?

Peace comes from speaking another language…or does it?