Language Learning
Languages open up new Worlds
Language is the official means of communication within a people group, But Emotions are expressed in more than Words.
Even though we live in a world where phones can translate content, AirPods can aid in conversations, and AI can accurately create documents in a completely different language, emotions are expressed in poetry. Even angry poetry. Language is the path to the heart of the people.
You must learn its language, if you want to deepen your understanding of a culture.
A German word that means more than being mature. It carries the notion of being apt to make decisions, being responsible enough to do so, and having permission to do so. But it’s different from simply being empowered.
❋ Mündig ❋ Kam'magarA Yapese word for “Thank you”. But literally translated, it means “You made yourself tired for me.” Say that too many times, and you might start communicating that “You really shouldn’t have done that.”
Tips & Apps for Learning a Language
Duolinguo is probably the best known App out there -currently- to learn a language, but just one of many. However, what all apps have in common is (1) it takes time and commitment, and (2) it will cost something if you are serious about it. Whether it is Duolingo, Jumpspeak, Speak, LearnaAI, or yet another app, or whether it is Babble or Rosetta Stone, all these require a time commitment and financial investment. Pick one, invest some money, and dedicate at least 30 minutes per day to learning. Results will slowly come.
INDEX CARDS will be your best friends when learning a language. It is a scientific fact that we learn differently when we write things down (instead of using an app). It’s using a different part of the brain. Pick a list of the 3,000 most common words of your language, write each word on an index card, and learn these words wherever you go. Bus ride. Lunch break. Before bed. You name it. - I learned 3,000 words within the first 3 months in Ecuador, and the results did not disappoint.
Watch MOVIES in your target language. First, watch it in your own language; several times. Then switch to your target language. Start with subtitles. But once you've watched it a few times with subtitles, turn them off. Switch up the movies if it gets boring. But keep immersing yourself in the target language. Look for Audiobooks. Look for AI-assisted apps that challenge you to listen, repeat, and even create your own sentences. Then learn to shape your mouth as they do. Yes, you heard this correctly, learning a new language also requires a new set of mouth muscles.
Culture is the framework of any Language
Useful Tips for Learning A Language
As a family, we have lived and worked as missionaries in three different countries. Learning languages within that kind of work was just a given. And while this sounds exciting, it came with its challenges. However, we have reached the point where we can communicate fluently and with full confidence in three languages, and Coach Dan has even started learning a fourth, just to see how it goes.
Here are a few tips and tricks we have learned along the way:
Having the right attitude is key
Motivation and attitude are two different things here. When I first met my wife, I was totally motivated to learn English. How else would I be able to ask for her hand, ask her to marry me, or get along with her? Believe me, I was absolutely motivated. - When I talk about attitude, I actually talk about wanting to learn the things connected to the language. There is a reason people say things in a certain way. There is a reason behind a word or a phrase. There might even be a story behind a saying. And while it might sound strange to you at first, with an open-minded attitude, you will learn to love the differences.
Start Small and Grow into it
Anyone who has observed a child learn a language knows that they rarely speak in full sentences right from the get-go. One starts with a single word. Then we connect words. Simple words at first. Little by little, we form sentences. And after a while we engage in full conversations.
The same is true for listening. At the beginning, we catch a word here or there. And slowly we might get the meaning of a sentence. Then the paragraph. And then the whole conversation. From there it is just a little step to understanding everything.
BUT … everything starts small. Be patient. Give it time. Be consistent. And don’t give up. While I learned Spanish within six to eight months, French has taken me two and a half years now, and I am still in the phase where I only understand slow conversations. BUT, hey, that’s more than two years ago.
Find your personal approach to learning
Everyone has a different style of learning. My wife is a book learner. She needs the words in the book. The grammar. The sentence structure. And give her time, and she will emerge from the books with a new language. Me, I need to talk with people. Don’t get me wrong. I need the words too. In fact, I learned 3,000 Spanish words within the first two months using index cards. And I did have a tutor and some books. But the actual learning took place in the conversations with friends and in the marked place.
Respect that there are different learning styles. Find yours by trial and error. And when you find your way of doing it, stick with it.