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What is Language School Like?

By a missionary in South Asia

“I can remember when I was in your position,” said my friend as he reminisced of his early days in language school. I asked him if there were any shortcuts to learning a new language. Once he was done laughing, he told me that there are no short cuts; learning a language is just plain, hard work.

After surviving a couple months of language school, I have to agree that learning a new language is definitely hard work; however, as God gives little victories, it is also a great joy. It feels so good to go to the local market, place my order, and actually be able to understand what the shopkeepers say back to me. And I’ve found I can also get lower prices that way!

But, language school isn’t just about learning how to bargain for your groceries. Language school is about preparing yourself for future ministry and gaining insight into the culture in which God has placed you. Yesterday, one of my national friends told me that if I wanted to even come close to understanding his culture, I simply must learn the language. I am so excited for the day when I will be able to minister to people’s hearts in their heart language.

Many people often ask me what does language school look like? My experience may be just a little bit different than what you may expect. First of all, my school is actually just one room. Second, there is only one other student in my class.

I arrive to class every morning at 8:30 a.m., and we start off by asking our teacher questions from our conversations with nationals. After question time, we learn a couple songs. Many times, the songs that we learn are songs that we sing frequently in church. Next, we work though a book called Basic Structures. The book contains readings and pictures, and we match the picture to whatever story we just read. Then, we usually go to our grammar book where we learn all about wonderful verb endings and other various rules. My favorite part of class is when we use the book Learnables, a book of pictures. As our teacher reads us a story, we follow along with the pictures. Often times, the stories are hilarious! Once we are done with Learnables, we practice things in conversation, spelling, counting, listening, biblical words, and sometimes play a game. Once class is over, my head is usually spinning, but after lunch, I am ready to go again.

In the afternoons, I listen to recordings of the language and practice my comprehension and intonation. I also go into town and find nationals to practice with. I have often found them to be very eager to help. Usually when I start speaking to one, a group will form in fascination!

At nights, I spend the evenings going over flash cards I have made of the language. Over the past few months, I have developed quite a collection of cards.

As I go through this process of learning the language, I am immensely grateful for all of those who are praying for me. As Daryl Anderson has said, “Language learning is a great spiritual battle, and prayer is vital to progress. You will never acquire a language until you overcome mental barriers and dedicate yourself to the task with discipline, patience, time, and humility.”

Thank you for missionaries like me who are in language school.