The Guahibo of Colombia

The Pen is Mightier Than Bow and Arrow

Outsiders were bringing their cattle into the area of the Guahibos, damaging their manioc plants, and straining their patience. Occasionally an arrow, shot in retaliation, was found in a cow. But Marcelino Sosa had a better way.

After SIL linguists Vic and Riena Kondo formed an alphabet, Marcelino started a bilingual newspaper. The newspaper called on Indians and ranchers to unite for the common good.

As a forum for airing complaints, it helped work out land problems and secure benefits for the area. It is the only newspaper in the state. It is produced entirely by the Guahibos on a silk-screen mimeograph, in a thatchroofed hut, two days' walk from the nearest dirt road. It is registered with the government. The editor, Sosa is nationally recognized. The alphabet has provided cohesion to the Guahibos; it is a cultural anchor in a sea of change.