How to Succeed in Language Learning (and Even Enjoy the Process)
There is nothing like learning a new language to make you feel like a total idiot! It’s humbling. Sometimes it’s humiliating. For months and even years- it can feel like forever- you speak at the level of a two or three-year-old child. Then, after much hard work, you finally move up to…the level of a first grader! There you are, in an adult body, with an incredibly important message to share. You desperately want to communicate with the people you are ready to lay down your life for. God sees that desperation and is ready to help you. I’d love to help you too. Here are some simple principles to help you succeed in language learning.
Laugh At Your Mistakes!
Learn to find humor in your language mistakes. I recommend keeping a journal and recording them. One day when you are a veteran missionary, who speaks fluently, you will remember these fondly. One of my funniest language learning mistakes was at a wedding.
We had been in the country for about six months. I’d come a long way in language learning, or so I thought! We were attending a local church and no translator was available. As was typical in a Nepali church, my husband and I were seated on opposite sides of the building. We sat cross-legged on the floor, he with the men and me with the women.
It required endurance but I made it through the entire service. I understood a few words here and there.
They were speaking rapidly, but I was catching more and more. I’d hear phrases that made sense. Staying focused on trying to grab at least a few new vocabulary words out of the sermon, I stayed engaged, even if I got no spiritual benefit.
At the end of the message, the pastor made an important announcement. A young couple in the church was getting married the next week. I was so proud of myself! I was tracking right along and understanding everything! Woohoo!
Then, the pastor said, “Is there anyone here who won’t be able to attend the wedding?” Or that is what I thought he said, at least.
I raised my hand, knowing we had other commitments on the day of the wedding.
My husband, on the other side of the church, shook his head rapidly, trying to get my attention. The face of the future groom turned white as a sheet. The pastor, then asked me, “Are you sure?”
I was still confident I’d understood. We definitely couldn’t make it to the wedding. In my best Nepali, I replied: “Yes, I’m sure.”
The groom, about fainted.
As the words escaped my lips, I suddenly realized my mistake. The pastor had not asked me if we could attend the wedding. He had asked the typical obligatory question. “Is there anyone here who has any objection to this couple getting married next week?” No wonder the groom about had a heart attack! Poor young man.
I felt bad for the groom, but it was also extremely funny. My husband and I laughed all the way home. To make up for my error, we gave a nice wedding gift to the new couple.
And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”
Matt. 18:3- NIV
5 Keys To Succeed In Language Learning
1. Embrace humility and child-likeness.
The language learning process forces one to become like a child. Jesus said that is a good thing. It puts you in a position where you have to be a learner, not a teacher. This too is a very good thing. It may not feel good, but if we allow Him to do so, God will use this in our lives to powerfully transform. Embrace the journey. When you feel like an absolute fool, don’t fight against it. Go to God with it. Let His humility be formed in you through the language learning process.
2. Immerse yourself as much as possible.
The more you are able to be around people who only speak the new language, the easier it will be for you to absorb it. Not every situation is ideal for language immersion. Due to your kid’s schooling, you may find yourself often with people who prefer to talk to you in your own language. Or maybe there are many languages spoken in the place you live.
Immersion is such a big factor in language learning. I encourage you to find a way, even if it is only for a few weeks or a month. Go and live somewhere that people only speak the language you are learning. Live in a village for a while. Do a homestay. When returning home, continue to look for ways to surround yourself with people who don’t speak your own language.
3. Make yourself dependent on the local people around you.
This is like the first point, but slightly different. The more you put yourself in a position of need, the closer the bonds you will develop with indigenous people. As these bonds develop, they will give you insider knowledge, not only of the language but of the culture too.
It isn’t easy to be dependent on people you are not comfortable with. It is much easier to use google maps to get somewhere than to ask your neighbor to take you there. Asking another missionary friend where to buy groceries is easy. It’s better to go with a new contact and buy them in the market. Actions of dependence and need, push you forward in using your new language. Be willing to do things in a way that takes longer and is less comfortable. Choose ways that make you dependent on your host culture.
4. Remember your “Why”
When you feel this way, remember why you wanted to learn the language in the first place. What did God originally call you there to do? What would you be able to do so much better if you could communicate at a deeper level? How would it impact your evangelism? Your discipleship? Your leadership training?
There are times when we need to use translators. I don’t condemn anyone who does. I have used translators thousands of times!
Deep level discipleship, however, happens best when you speak their heart language well. Remind yourself that one day you will be able to do that, and the impact you will have will grow exponentially.
5. Be consistent in your daily efforts to learn.
This is maybe the most important tip I can give you! Daily, consistent learning is the key to success. Every single day practice a couple of new words. Set a time to study and make it a habit- even if it is only 15 minutes a day. Listen to recordings of new vocabulary while you wash the dishes every night. Set up that regular meeting with a language helper and put it on your schedule. Consistency will get you where you want to go more than fits and starts in language learning attempts.
Language Learning Is Ministry
The Brewsters wrote a book called Language Acquisition Made Practical (LAMP). They wrote, “Language learning is ministry!” I fully agree. It is not something we do so we can minister in the future. The process itself is a ministry. As you interact with people to learn the language, love them. Pray for them. Share your life and stories with them. Let God flow through you.
Do you need help in choosing the best language learning method for you? Download my free e-book! Find out more about the four methods I’ve used to learn various languages and discover the one right for you.
FREE E-BOOK OFFER: Get Language Learning Help!
Choose the best language learning method for you! We all have different situations and personalities. This FREE E-book describes four of the main ways to learn a language. It then lists the advantages and disadvantages of each. Put your efforts in the right place!