The February 2006 BYU-Hawaii Alumni eNewsletter contains the following:
Dr. Mark James ('79, TESL Teaching), in describing in the 2006 David O. McKay Lecture how English is rapidly becoming the predominant worldwide language and some of the issues related to that, said BYU-Hawaii has a critical pedagogical role that must include respect for learning and maintaining all languages.
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Dr. Mark James continues a tradition of CCH/BYU-Hawaii alumni delivering the annual David O. McKay lecture (Monique Saenz photo) |
In his presentation on February 16 in the Cannon Activities Center, entitled The Hegemony of English: The Way Forward, James explained that while "the British Empire was primarily responsible for English becoming an international language, through mass migrations and colonization," it was "American political, economic, technological and military power since World War II [that] has ensured an ever larger demand for English."
"English has gone global, not because of political-geographical reasons," James said, "but because of socio-cultural reasons. It is the language of technology, true, but more importantly of the media and the pop-culture that goes with it."
James also noted English "is literally big business. It has become, by some estimates, England's number-one export, bringing in billions of dollars from the sale of dictionaries, textbooks, English courses and so on. The entire endeavor is now controlled mainly by business and political leaders. Anybody and everybody, it seems, wants to learn English and for almost every possible communicative purpose."
"However, the reality is that only the privileged have access to quality English instruction," he continued. "One consequence is that English is better described as the language of inequality. The popular press has called this 'The English Divide,' like the digital divide."
"As one sociolinguist put it, every time a student is successful in passing the TOEFL test and is admitted into a college somewhere to pursue a dream, we, at the same time, have 'put another little brick in the wall' that holds back all the rest. English has become the great gatekeeper of the world."
James stressed that English is also a "political tool": "Research has made it clear that English language instruction, whether supported by religious groups, governments, or organizations like the Peace Corps, is inextricably linked with the concepts of western capitalism, modernization, technology, Americanization and globalization, each of which has proven destructive, intentionally or not, to local traditions, languages, value systems, ways of knowing and ways of being."
That being said, James pointed out that "with the global adoption of English, no one owns English anymore. ...There is a great variety in the forms of English that have evolved." Or, "as Nigerian novelist Chinua Achebe once said, 'the English language will be able to carry the weight of African experience. But it will have to be a new English, still in full communion with its ancestral home but altered to suit its new African surroundings.'"
James explained that some people see the globalization of English as "linguistic imperialism. The fundamental problem is, the languages of the world are not equally represented by the billions of people on the planet." To which he shared the following stats: "Of the more than 7,000 languages now spoken, 5% of them are spoken by 94% of the world's population. The remaining 95% of languages are spoken by only 6% of the world's people. Sadly, these 6% feel just as passionate about their languages as we do about ours, but their voices are but a faint whisper to us who are so far distant from their perspectives and their homelands."
He then said that the LDS Church — comprised of speakers of many languages from its earliest years — has focused considerable attention and resources on both spreading the gospel in various languages and helping members "frustrated with the difficulty of learning English. Brigham Young, never one to accept defeat, appointed a three-member committee to create a new alphabet that would make literacy easier. The result was called the Deseret Alphabet, a phonetic alphabet."
"Although the Deseret Alphabet and the reading materials created in it did not long survive, the achievement ranks as one of the earliest and boldest attempts to make the learning of English more effective," James said. He added that as early as the 1850s teaching English was also part of LDS missionary work.
"The first missionaries to Tonga, Elders Smoot and Butler, were invited to teach English to the noble families' children. In more recent years, The Kennedy Center at BYU-Provo has trained and sent [volunteer] couples into the nations of Asia to teach English and make friends for the Church."
"Our Church is one of many Christian churches whose missionaries often use the popularity of English as a way to contact people," James continued, warning, "There is great potential for abuse here, as there was decades ago when some mission presidents used sports programs to bring youth into the Church. Anytime you 'use' something like sports, ESL or music lessons with an ulterior motive, the potential for poor instruction and insincerity runs high."
"In a world where the teaching of English has become a highly politicized and emotional issue, official representatives of the Church, retired professionals or young missionaries must remain pure in the intent of their service. In doing so, they will make friends for the Church naturally, gain a few converts, perhaps, but most importantly, raise — not lower — the Church's reputation among the peoples and governments of the world."
Turning to translation efforts, James stressed that "despite the growing influence of English, the Church remains determined to provide the word of God and the counsel of the prophets in ever more of the world's languages, translating nearly a half-million pages of text a year across thousands of projects in over 100 languages."
"In the temple, where exactness is fundamental and understanding crucial, most every temple in the world now has access to about 80 languages for the presentation of the endowment, with more surely to come."
"The efforts of Church-related organizations like the Institute for the Student and Preservation of Ancient Religious Texts demonstrate a clear respect for the languages and traditions of others, and have made many friends thereby," James continued. "And make no mistake, like-minded friends are increasingly important these days in our ecumenical efforts to wage battle in common causes and against a common adversary."
James also pointed out, despite its track record, "the Church has never had a language plan or policy per se," which has led to some interesting situations: "Some English-speaking Church members have referred to English as the 'language of the restoration of the gospel.' However, when you look at recent Church membership growth, the common and equally insightful response is, 'True, but Spanish will be the language of the Second Coming.'"
He added that Church founder Joseph Smith "was an eager student of many subjects, with foreign languages being among his greatest passions."
James said the development of language-based wards and branches is another interesting aspect of the Church's response. "Church leaders have struggled over the years with the relative advantages and disadvantages of language-based congregations. The challenge has always been deciding how to support the need to worship in meaningful ways, while at the same time desiring all members to feel as if they were 'no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God,' to use the words of Paul."
"We face the same challenges as the Church did in the days of the Apostles. To the best of my knowledge," James continued, "the Lord has not spoken on this matter and has left Church leaders to work things out according to their best wisdom. This has resulted in policy changes, often according to the times, and to personalities." For example:
"In 1958, Spencer W. Kimball, then a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, visited congregations in California and Arizona, and wrote in his diary, THE CHURCH MUST NEVER ASSUME THE ROLE OF FORCING THE SPANISH SPEAKING PEOPLE TO LEARN ENGLISH. The Church is for the people and not the people for the Church. The capitalization is his, not mine," James said.
"Though the Church has not had a general language policy, it strives to fulfill the charge recorded as revelation in Doctrine and Covenants 90:11 — ...that every man shall hear the fullness of the gospel in his own tongue, and in his own language. [Or] to quote a Church Translation supervisor, 'We feel that every kindred, tongue, and people will progress more toward becoming a unified Zion people when we realize that in the sight of God, every temporal language has equal validity with the Church's host language, English.'"
Of course, James continued, BYU-Hawaii has significant charges to excel in teaching English to its many international students. For example, President Spencer W. Kimball said, "There is no reason why this University could not become the place where, perhaps more than anywhere else, the concern for the teaching of English as a second language is firmly headquartered in terms of unarguable competency as well as deep concern."
And more recently, Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve said, "My hope is that BYU-Hawaii, as successful as it is in teaching English as a second language, will become the premier learning environment for English communications, and that the successes of the past in this important endeavor will be augmented, even surpassed, by your successes in the future."
James said while BYU-Hawaii "has led the way for decades in helping the Church to develop ESL materials for its members in various parts of the world" as well as educate TESOL graduates, there are five things the University can do to "continue to excel in ways that do not injure, divide or exclude others." They are:
In closing, James urged everyone to "dedicate ourselves to becoming the multicultural, multilingual citizens of the Kingdom who possess the skills that will make us effective instruments in bringing to pass the fulfillment of President McKay's vision for this school and its graduates."
The McKay lecture series originated in 1962 as a way for the seven-year-old Church College of Hawaii to explore "new knowledge and vital issues." Other alumni who have delivered the McKay lecture include Alice Pack ('64), David H.H. Chen, Max Stanton ('63), Sharlene B. Furuto ('68), Kathleen Ward ('77, English), Inoke Funaki ('68, Education) and Riley Moffat ('72, Business Management). For more information on the David O. McKay Lecture Series...
'Alumni in the News' now featured on our web site
When you log onto our BYU-Hawaii Alumni web site one of the newest features you will notice is "Alumni in the News." Of course, our eNewsletter provides association and individual information, but this item links to external news coverage of our alumni. The individuals listed will change from time to time, so we invite you to check it out periodically. Those currently listed are included in the Personal Updates section below. We would also appreciate hearing about any links you're aware of that describe the accomplishments of our alumni.
Alumna and partner share aloha through their business
Kalihi girls Delia Parker-Ulima ('96, Political Science) — who went on to earn a law degree from the University of Hawaii — and her partner, Bella Finau-Faumuina, have found that aloha and Hawaiian themed products are filling a niche in their scrapbooking business. Read more...
Coach Wagner marks 300th victory
On February 8 BYU-Hawaii men's basketball head coach Ken Wagner tallied his 300th victory for the Seasiders. Now in his 16th season in Laie, Wagner's cumulative record as of that victory stood at 300-153, or a .662 winning percentage. He is the all-time wins leader among CCH/BYU-Hawaii basketball coaches and has had only one losing season since he took the helm in 1990.
Under Coach Wagner, the Seasider men have appeared in either NAIA or NCAA II post-season play nine times, and have won six conference titles. He has also been named Coach of the Year five times and has helped develop 12 All-Americans. Counting his high school and junior college coaching days, Wagner's overall win-loss career record is closing in on 500 wins. "Looking back it has really been a lot of fun coaching here in Hawaii against so many good teams and quality coaches," Wagner said.
For the latest results in BYUH sports...
The CCHers Network ('55-'64) plan a June reunion in Hawaii
Sparked by the joy of meeting at the 2005 Golden Jubilee celebration last October, former Church College of Hawaii students from 1955-64 have formed The CCHers Network, an alumni constituency group that will hold a:
Church College of Hawaii Reunion (1955-64) BYU-Hawaii Campus • June 22-25, 2006 |
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June 22: |
4-6 p.m.: Reception in the Ballroom with light pupu 6-8 p.m.: Graduation banquet (CAC) |
June 23: |
7 a.m.: Temple session Noon: Picnic at Kakela (Kokololio Park) 6 p.m.: Party Time in the Old Gym |
June 24: |
9-11 a.m.: BYU-Hawaii commencement OPEN DAY with PCC Day, dinner and show option |
June 25: |
a.m.: Special Sacrament and Testimony meeting Noon: Lunch in the BYU-Hawaii Cafeteria |
The CCHers Network (1955-64) leader, Gary Wong ('60), said the group's Hawaii reunion committee consists of Napua Kalama Baker ('61), John Aki ('60), Ishmael Stagner ('61), Theresa Kalama Bigbie ('58), Frank Kalama ('64) and Gladys Chu Kalama ('61), "with impressive support from current Alumni Association President Les Steward ('73, Business Management) and Executive Director Rowena Reid ('76, Social Work)."
"We also have a devoted mainland and outer island network of CCHers that have committed to assist the main Reunion Committee in this effort. To name a few, they are Viliami Hemaloto ('65, Math/Science Teaching) of Salt Lake City, Utah; Kathy Boyce Hemingway ('59) of Sun River, Oregon; Lynne Glassford Christy ('59) of Provo, Utah; Bob and Jeane Jacobsen Jepson ('61) of Richfield, Utah; Dianne Smartt Roland ('59) of Oakland, California; Vance and Donna Aschenbrenner Cannon ('59), Las Vegas, Nevada; Faith Figuerres, Herman Paleka ('60), Keahi Allen and many more who are getting aboard the 'Reunion Train' even as we speak. These we name because we want those CCHers ('55'-'64) to contact these volunteers about The CCHers Network and our 2006 Reunion in June."
Reid reminds alumni that the dates and times are still tentative and will be reconfirmed. Other details are also forthcoming. To contact the CCHers Network ...
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Alaska Chapter:
The Alaska Chapter is planning a luau on April 8. Contact chapter chair Carolyn Fautanu ('89, Mathematics Education) at 907-332-2005 for additional details.
Maui Chapter:
The Maui Chapter will hold a potluck dinner with the BYU-Hawaii Jazz/Brass Band on March 10. Contact chapter chairs David ('90, Physical Education) and Melony Nesmith ('85, Travel Management) at 808-877-4428 for additional details.
New York:
The New York Chapter is planning an alumni fireside with the BYU-Hawaii Concert Choir on June 4. The choir will perform at Carnegie Hall. Contact chapter chair Frank Sutton ('91, Travel, Hotel, Restaurant Management) for additional details.
Utah:
The Utah Chapter will put on a luau in April, with details forthcoming; or contact chapter chairs David and Sue Settle, phone 801-370-9617.
Washington D.C.:
The D.C. Chapter is practicing Polynesian dances in preparation for an alumni performance during Asian Pacific Heritage Month on April 29. Those interested should contact Koko Aiolupotea ('99, Political Science) at 240-449-6442. The next chapter meeting will be held on that same day at the Temple Visitors Center.
Reminders:
1950s and 60s
Joyce McFarland Day ('59), who now lives in St. George, Utah, writes: "Even though my time was short in Hawaii, it made a profound influence on me, and my husband and I return to Hawaii often. Also, our oldest grandson just recently returned from serving a fulltime mission there. His name is Chad Day. What a nice surprise and blessing that has been."
In Memoriam: Moana Mae Leimomi Richards Niu ('64) passed away January 9, 2006.
In Memoriam: Heamasi K. Olive, who attended in the 60s, passed away December 7, 2005.
Merv Tano ('69, History), who lives in Denver, Colorado, and works in indigenous resource management, reports he was "in Fairbanks, Alaska, for the film festival put on by the Alaska Native Heritage Center. We were hoping to see Uncle Bill Wallace in person, but had to be satisfied with his sliver screen presence as The Birthing of Iosepa was shown on January 14. It was a very nice production and quite an inspiring story."
Mary Louise Mortensen of Washington, Utah, writes that her husband, the late Ronald W. Mortensen, "taught accounting at Church College of Hawaii during 1969-70, and I worked in the Media Center and supervised student teachers for the Education Department. Thank you for your newsletter."
1970s
Kirk Skyles ('72), who lives in Saratoga Springs, Utah, writes: "Mahalo for the wonderful newsletter that you publish each month. It brings back beautiful memories of my days at CCH/BYUH. I began my college career in the fall of 1966, went on a mission to Peru, Ecuador and Colombia from 1967-79, and returned to school in the fall of '69. I graduated in May 1972 and became a professional educator. I have since taught in Oregon, Hawaii and Utah where I am currently the AP Spanish teacher at Timpview High School and an adjunct professor at BYU-Provo in the Spanish and Portuguese Department. I have run into many CCH/BYUH alumni here in Provo and we enjoy reminiscing about our former days in Laie. Among them are Ben Tatum, Ned Aikau ('72, Elementary Education) and Bobby Kauo ('66). There are several locals on the Timpview staff that I also see on a daily basis. Aloha nui loa to all back in Laie. Carry on the tradition of excellence."
Yolanthy "Lani" Kanahele Snow ('78, Secretarial Science) and her husband, Stanley Snow ('82, Physical Sciences), now live Cedar Hills, Utah. Lani, who is a resource aide at nearby American Fork High School, writes: "I made lifelong friends at BYU-Hawaii and the professors there were great."
William "Bill" Shiu-Foo Hsu ('78, Business Management/Travel), currently a School of Business faculty member, and his wife, Angelina Tien Tse Jan Hsu ('80), have been called to preside over a Mandarin, Chinese-speaking mission that will be announced later. [See "Alumni in the News" on the Alumni web site for more details.]
1980s
In Memoriam: T.A. "John Maka" Cummings ('80), who formerly worked at the Polynesian Cultural Center and most recently with the Kamauoha Foundation's noni project in Waialua, passed away on February 5, 2006, of a heart attack. Cummings, who is originally from Rarotonga, Cook Islands, attended Liahona High School in Tonga and served a mission in Tahiti and the Cook Islands before attending BYU-Hawaii.
Rick Hardisty ('82, Business Management) writes: "I just love to read the BYU-Hawaii eNewsletter, especially since recently moving to the United Arab Emirates. It brings a good spirit of aloha."
We received word that Vaiopa'a "Vai" Laumatia ('82, History-Government) is now bishop of a newly-formed Samoan ward in Orem, Utah, where he and his family live.
Former Alumni Board member and current Family Court Judge Aley K. Auna ('83, Business Management) was recently called as the Kona (Hawaii) Stake President.
In Memoriam: Kerry Noelani Pere Kingi ('86), daughter of Baden Pere ('61, Political Science) and Vernice Wineera ('77, English), passed away on February 1. She had been living in the San Diego, California, area.
1990s
David Nesmith ('90, Physical Education) was recently named head football coach at Maui High School. [See "Alumni in the News" on the Alumni web site for more details.] David and his wife, Melony Kahealani Nesmith ('85, Travel Management) chair the Maui Alumni Chapter.
Bruce Atkinson ('93, Physical Education) was recently named women's head volleyball coach at the University of Texas-Brownsville. [See "Alumni in the News" on the Alumni web site for more details.]
Pa'ulasi Matavao ('99), a former Seasider basketball star, recently recorded the first winning season as women's head volleyball coach at Montana State University-Billings. [See "Alumni in the News" on the Alumni web site for more details.] He and his wife, Wendi Matavao, have two small children.
2000s
Former Seasider basketball star Alexus Foyle ('03), who now plays professionally in France, recently competed in the ABA Slam Dunk Contest and the ESPN City Slam dunk contest. [See "Alumni in the News" on the Alumni web site for more details.]
Cross-country champion Chelsea Smith McKell ('04, Health Science) and her husband, Brian McKell ('03, International Business Management), now live in Spanish Fork, Utah. She writes: "I miss running through the papaya fields."
Celestine Selvaragu-Ellinger ('04, Accounting) and her husband, Tyler Ellinger ('04, Accounting), who now live in Bakersfield, California, recently shared their views on intercultural marriage. [See "Alumni in the News" on the Alumni web site for more details.]
Nancy Wood ('04, Mathematics Education), who lives in Mission Viejo, California, wrote: "I finally did it! I finished my [graduation] survey. I love BYU-Hawaii, had a great mission, and would love to come back and work there. Let me know if there are any job openings. I can speak Korean."
Editor's Note: This issue marks the completion of the first four years of our Alumni eNewsletter. Can you believe it? I was just starting my freelance communications business in early 2002 when I pitched this idea to BYU-Hawaii Vice President of University Advancement Napua Baker ('61), and she agreed to go for it. The response ever since has been fantastic, and working with you and for you has been much more than a job. One thing I've noticed lately, just in case you've been wondering, is that the number of Personal Update submissions has dropped off. We'll run whatever we get or can scrounge; so, share your mana'o (thoughts). Everybody would love to hear from you.
— Mike Foley ('70, TESL), Editor
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The BYU-Hawaii Alumni Newsletter is published by the University Advancement office, under the direction of Napua Baker ['59-61 and '70-72], Vice President; Duane Roberts, Director of Communications & Public Relations; and Rowena Reid ['76, Social Work], Alumni Relations Executive Director. Brigham Young University Hawaii Campus is a four-year comprehensive undergraduate institution sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. About 2,400 students from over 70 nations are currently enrolled.
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