Spanish-language radio a treasure for all

Listening and learning

Many listeners tune into KBBF for Spanish language programming, but it might surprise you that a good number of them are English-speakers. Judy Elliott, a volunteer for the station shares, “I discovered KBBF over a decade ago, while dialing around for a Spanish radio station to help me with language retention. What I found was this station, with most of its programs either in Spanish or bilingual, as well as entertaining, informative and thought provoking. In addition to being an avid listener, I've also had the enriching experience of being a KBBF volunteer for years, which is a wonderful opportunity to see radio behind the scenes. Come join us...as a listener, donor, and/or volunteer!"

Likewise, native speakers of Spanish and indigenous languages tune into multilingual shows to refine their language skills. Programs on KBBF do not follow a single format, so it is entertaining to see how programmers manage all the code switching. Some intersperse content, while others provide information in one language and summaries or commentary in another. A segment broadcast in English might feature banter in Spanish once the phone lines open.

Elliott recommends “Líderes del Futuro,” hosted by Rafael Vásquez. She observes, “He'll intersperse languages at times, or do interviews. He teaches at the junior college, and is a real activist with students and DACA. He is beloved.” The show is every Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m.

Amalia Contardi and her two programs “Voces de Mujeres” (Saturdays 1 to 2 p.m.) and “Música Internacional” (Sundays from 8 to 9 p.m.) are linguistic hybrids as well. Elliott says, “She's a genius at doing that. It’s world music, and she knows so much about it. It's an education, too, about the music. There are also interviews, including a recent one with Luis Godoy. She is a renaissance woman.”

Another option is “Tonos Clásicos / Classical Tones,” hosted by Alan Bloom on Wednesdays from 9 to 11 p.m. Elliot describes it as, “…classical music, but with a Latin twist. With commentary that intersperses languages.”

For all/ Para todos

DJ Broken Record, whose show runs Mondays from 9 to 11 p.m, recently hosted author and workers’ rights activist Alejandra Domenzain. Her new bilingual children’s book For All/Para Todos chronicles some of the struggles people experience when immigrating. The reflective text inspires children to brainstorm ways they can make positive change in the world.

Domenzain explains that the story of a young girl and her father crossing the border has them, “…facing hardships being undocumented, and the young girl's journey to becoming an activist for labor rights and immigration reform.” She will be donating all royalties earned to immigrant and labor rights organizations.

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