Can you imagine what it would have been like if Jesus had brought a translator from heaven and preached all his sermons and taught all his lessons through a translator for 30 years? Strange thought, huh? Being able to communicate with people in their own language is very much a part of incarnation, of being together with the people .

Reasons for Learning the Language

So, why is it so important for us to learn as much of the language as we can? Here are the most important reasons:

• It is the foundation of identification and bonding.
• It breaks down barriers.
• It increases your efficiency at doing your job.
• It's the only way to truly communicate and reach people's hearts.
• It's the only way to ever really understand the culture and the people.
• It's the only way to really know what's going on.

Myths about Language Learning

I realize, however, that learning a language is easier said than done. Not only is it a challenge, but frequently you will hear a lot of "reasons" given why going to all the trouble to learn the language is not really necessary, or not possible or practical.

• You don't need to study, you'll just "pick it up."
• You really don't need it, most people you'll deal with speak English.
• You can just use a translator.

But you guessed right. These reasons soon prove not to be true. Here is why. Very few people just "pick up" a language. Most of us need some helpa proper language school being the best option, but a trained or experienced tutor a few hours a day can also work well. The bottom line is that initially you need to be intentional about learning language and have someone experienced to guide you.

While it is true that in many places many of the local people speak English (or French or German or whatever) fluently, the reality is that for most of them this is not their mother tongue, and may, in fact, be the language associated with a colonial power. Their "heart language" is still the language they learned at their mother's knee and will always be the most significant language to them. To truly identify with them (plus others who don't speak the second language at all) we need to make an effort to reach them in their "heart language."

It is true that institutions in many places have gifted translators who can be of great help to you. But a translator is always an unconscious barrier between you and the people with whom you are wishing to communicate. To be truly "together with them" you need to be able to speak to them in their first language.

How to Learn a New Language

Since learning the language of the people is so important, how, then, can you go about it? You are probably thinking by this time that this is a pretty unrealistic expectation. You may be planning to serve for only a year or two, so how are going to learn a language in a short amount of time? Well, it is amazing how much language you can learn in a short amount of time if you really set your mind to it.

To begin with, you need to have a positive attitude—"I think I can..." (And you really can—honest!) In addition, it helps to really be convinced of the importance of language. That will keep you going on rough days! It also helps to be a bit childlike. We set our adult pride aside and become willing to make mistakes and "play" with the language, knowing we won't be perfect at first. This obviously involves being a risk-taker—something that is a must for learning a language. Sooner or later you just have to stick your neck out and say something that very well may create some confusion or laughter at first, but at the same time will earn you the appreciation and respect of the local people, because you are making the effort to become one with them.

Tips for Language Learning

Here are a few practical suggestions for starting to learn a language.

Use a native speaker to guide you as a tutor or informant.

Practice "active listening"—really focusing on the sounds you hear swirling around you at first. This naturally involves some serious concentration—listening for sounds and ultimately words. Remember your brain can't help you create the new sounds until it has truly heard them.

Find ways to get "comprehensible input." What does that mean? It means you need to find people who will treat you like a child, speaking "mother-ese" to you—the simplified, repetitive language we speak to children, accompanied with lots of body language to make it comprehensible.

Focus on all aspects of the language—beginning with listening. As an adult, however, you can benefit by learning the writing system early on so that you can get input from reading as well as listening.

Pray for the Lord's blessing on your efforts.

Well, there you have it. You can learn a language. You can come closer to people's hearts by speaking to them in their own heart language. You can experience the joys of being able to really communicate in a new language. Go for it!

1. How many languages do you already know?

2. How did you learn them?

3. Can you use those same principles to help you learn another language?