Introduction / History

The Chenoua language is spoken by the majority in the region bordering the Mediterranean from the touristy town of Tipasa, an hour's drive west of the capital, and running further west to just short of the town of Tenes. Including the area down to the Chelif River which runs to the south, we have a rectangle. Within that are three dialects: a) Chenoui proper. These are the people living close to Mount Chenoua, including Tipasa. b) Beni Menacer. This is the name of the major tribe in the region. They are less distinctive in their identity, but they still speak their own language. c) Djebel Bissa. This is the name of another mountain, in the eastern part of the region. It is not an official dialect name.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Many parents prefer to teach their children Arabic, for educational advantage, but the children still pick up the local Chenoua language where it is widely used in daily life. Many of the villages have been evacuated during the 21st century, first because of the civil war then because of threats from Al Qaeda. As more Chenoua speakers leave for towns and cities, they stop using their traditional language. There are some associations in the region, where people gather from time to time to celebrate the language and its culture. There are some known Chenoua speaking Christians, worshiping in churches outside their region. Some Chenoua speaking believers have emigrated to Europe.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The speakers of the Chenoua language are all Muslim. To our knowledge, there are no evangelical Christians or churches in their midst and no missionaries working among. They live in a country in which it is difficult to work.

What Are Their Needs?

There are few opportunities for Chenoua speakers to hear and respond to the gospel from a Christian. Who will go?

Prayer Points

Pray that God will open the door for them to hear the good news in their own language.
Pray for Bible translation to begin and for availability of the JESUS Film and audio gospel messages.
Pray for the Chenoua homeland to have adequate schools and hospitals.
Pray for a powerful, unstoppable movement to Christ among Chenoua speakers.

Scripture Prayers for the Berber, Chenoua in Algeria.