Specialized English

Background

Produced in partnership with ReFrame Media and HCJB Global, “Spotlight” radio programs in Specialized English are made for an international audience whose first language is not English. These culturally sensitive programs are designed to serve the many people throughout the world who are eager to improve their English comprehension.

Spotlight uses a 1500-word core vocabulary. Each program is written with a simple sentence structure and is spoken slowly, making it easy for a non-native English speaker to understand. Unlike many Christian programs, Spotlight is not a Bible teaching program. Instead the programs discuss many general interest topics from a Christian perspective.

Spotlight programs reach listeners on more than 60 stations worldwide. Our website receives more than 30,000 visitors each month. Spotlight listeners’ clubs, started by HCJB Global, reach many more listeners through church-based discussion groups. If you are interested in using Spotlight in your church as part of an ESL program, please contact us for more information and resources.

Ministry Updates

February 2009 This year, the "Spotlight" team launched a significant website redesign. “The website was [originally] designed as an add-on to the radio service,” explains Feba’s Mike Procter. “Now what’s happened over the years is that it’s taken off by itself. We find we’re getting a significant number of internet visitors who have never heard us on the radio. Spotlight listeners want to interact with us, not just listen to what we say on the radio; they want to be able to respond. Our newly developed website has all kinds of possibilities for interaction: forums, blogs and social networking (like Facebook). And that’s really good because if a listener has a specific question, it opens up the possibility for us to help them, whether it be emotionally, physically or spiritually.” The site is available at http://www.spotlightradio.net/

Listener Responses

“I am very pleased to have found Spotlight Radio. I now share this with other students in Korea who are studying English.”

“The aim of our Polish Christian website is to teach people English and religious values. Could you give us permission to use Spotlight scripts on our website.”