A re-evaluation of people group categorization with ‘Borana’ and ‘Wolof’ case studies

Abstract

The current Missiological methodology for classification of people
groups has focused on ethno-linguistic factors that were appropriate
and useful for motivating a new generation of missionaries to venture
out for the glory of their lord. Presently that methodology needs to
be adapted to make it relevant to the every changing field of
anthropology. The torrent of changes and modernisation brought about
by the global mass media, generation Z and mass urbanisation has
accelerated normal levels of worldview shift. The extent of this
phenomenon is that the smartphone generation of Borana and Wolof
Muslims share more worldview assumptions with their urban townsmen, of varying ethnicities, than they do with their ethnic rural kinsmen or
even family members. This phenomenon requires new methods of group
classification for a new generation of people groups who don't fit
into the old group categories used to describe their forbears.
Starting with a study of the unreached people group movement in
Lausanne 1974 and examining case studies from the Wolof people of WestAfrica and the Borana of northern Kenya, this paper examines a way
forward in this important anthropological discussion. The discussion
will be pertinent to anthropologists looking to form emic group
classifications, missiologists seeking appropriate outreach
methodology for emerging people groups and students of God’s word
seeking to understand the great commission and its application to us
today.