Towards An African Language of Grace A Christian Anthropological Approach to Inculturation
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Date
2000-02-10
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Tangaza University College
Abstract
Beyond this ordinary and technical understanding, language constitutes the
great expression and patrimony which is at the same time impregnated with the religious,
philosophical, traditional and cultural meanings and identity of people who use it. It is only
through language that one can enter other people's universe of meanings and actions, because
language is the key tool par excellence for any kind of communication and its dynamics.
Today, the meaning of inculturation and its urgency in the Church, particularly the
Church in Africa, should consider language right at the heart of all its efforts for the new
evangelisation. This work would like to be a contribution on these lines.
Inculturation, as an African language for a proper evangelisation and communication
of God's grace to Africans, is the particular option we have taken up in this small
dissertation. To find a relevant language, in which God's grace -ilk in Christ- can be redly
revealed to Africans, is the core and global preoccupation of today's evangelization portrayed
as inculturation.
In this general introduction, we would like to look briefly at the definitions and
meanings of terms like Grace, Tradition, culture and inculturation. The first chapter, from the
developed historical and traditional perspective, will look at some models of encounter and evangelisation of cultures and the implications of languages. The second chapter, which is the
focal point, will take us to some proposed meanings and paths judged very fundamental for
the inculturation of the Gospel in Africa.
The third chapter, emphasising some practical and current realities, looks at the
implications and applications with respect to the first two chapters. The conclusion, on the
same lines, will sum up our work and lay down challenges for the future.
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Keywords
Anthropological, African Language, Inculturation, Tradition, Religion