Learning about Language Learning

Most everyone knows that we are earnestly trying to learn the language that is widely spoken here so that we can communicate better with everyone that God brings across our path.

Well, it's an amazing process to learn a 2nd language. I really never considered 'The Process' for learning a 2nd language. I never thought about it or how that happens, well now we know more about it than what we could have ever imagined! ;)

First of all, we aren't at a 'language school'. We are the first ones from our org to come to this area and learn this language ... ever. This is the first time its been done here. So, needless to say, there isn't a school or even a system set up for this to happen. Our mentors found a great and thoroughly cultured couple to tutor us, so that is a huge help. They have taught language before, but they have never taught someone that's learning it as a 2nd language. And we have never learned a 2nd language ... so wow ... what a combination!

I feel like just all the learning about how to even begin to learn a 2nd language is invaluable.

For example: start out with simple short sentences. ---The dog ran. ---I saw the dog. ---He saw the dog. etc... Then use them, over and over again with anyone who will listen and talk with you.

Learn to write and read the language in the beginning. This will help SO MUCH with pronunciation. In this language there are 4 different ways to say a T. If you know the sounds and the letters then you can know that you are pronouncing the words correctly.

Everyone learns differently. There are many different ways to learn a language (immersion, behind a desk, with a tutor, teach yourself books, etc...) and knowing how you learn best really helps in learning a language.

In many ways, it really helps to understand grammar. If you are with a tutor and they tell you that if the word is the object of the sentence (or in today's situation, the verbal noun ... whatever that is!) and you have no idea what the object of a sentence is, it will be harder to understand how to construct sentences in the 2nd language.

On top of it all though is that it CAN be done. We have to repeat that to ourselves and believe it. It can be overwhelming, but it's not impossible.

We picture the day when we are speaking in this language with many people that have never been told about Jesus and we are able to go and share the Light of Life with them in THEIR language ... to reach their hearts, to show them love in action. That's what all this learning is really about: them.

When those days come we will be so glad and thankful for this time that we have to devote ourselves to language learning. We are thankful now, but we will be even more thankful then ... :-)

Please lift us up that our minds can be opened to grasp and remember this amazing language more and more each day!