Introduction: living faiths section 2: Hinduism, Islam, Judaism

This chapter draws on the spiritual narratives of eleven experienced teachers from three living faith communities. They share their passion, love and zeal for their community language, giving some insights to the use of language games and language programming. A highlight of Saturday language community schools is shown as a vital education instrument for inter-generational transmission of language, culture, and identity. Through language, the teachers show the importance of nurturing religious practises, reading of holy scriptures, prayer and chants in their heritage and native language in their place of worship. In preserving language, the teachers are supporting identity and providing an active means to continue the language into the next generation. This chapter provides insight into the construction of religious identity and shows both religion and language as part of the human narrative. Language unites communities, supports intergenerational transmission and ensures continuity of identity.