Unusual find in my Google Alerts inbox today -- Saturday's LSU game against Troy will be broadcast in Navajo. It will be the first SEC football game every broadcast in the Navajo language. (No word yet on whether if the remaining several hundred imperial Japanese listening will be as stumped translating as they were during World War II.)Cuyler Frank of Albuquerque, N.M., will provide play-by-play description in the Navajo language of the LSU-Troy football game on the radio and on LSUsports.net Saturday night from Tiger Stadium.Nice gesture by Dr. Martin. It's doubtful this is much of a moneymaking enterprise, especially in tough economic times, but LSU has found a way to utilize its connection to an unusual resource and expanded college football's influence on yet another segment of American culture.
Mr. Frank provides play-by-play in Navajo of New Mexico State University football games, and it was there that he met current LSU Chancellor Dr. Michael Martin. When Chancellor Martin came to LSU, Mr. Frank expressed interest in broadcasting an LSU game in Navajo.
One can't help but embrace hearing "Jarrett Lee throws another pick-six" in more than one language. Plus, there's a decent chance it'll be more understandable to non-native tongues than the assistant coach in The Waterboy.
