Why Learning Language Matters

Why bother with the headaches and embarrassment that come with mastering a new language? In this day, when English is widely spoken across the globe and the smartphones in our pockets can translate on the spot, why should you invest time and stress in the language-learning process?

Speaking to Hearts

Language learning is important because when you speak someone’s language you can speak to their heart. When you are able to hold a conversation about Jesus in the tongue of the people you live among, they will meet Him in their heart language. You demonstrate your God is not just an American, English-speaking deity. He is the God of all people, fluent in all languages and in every heart. When that happens, they can receive the gospel message as contextualized and relevant, not academic and imported.

You serve least-reached people by taking time to laboriously understand the grammar, vocabulary and nuances of their heart language. As Jesus became flesh and moved into our neighborhood, so you—as a language-learning worker—will demonstrate humility, curiosity and compassion for the people among whom you live because you are striving to understand the language of their hearts. That will not go unnoticed by your new community.

Learning Dependence

For a self-sufficient, independent person (a cultural norm for Westerners), it is hard to become a learner and listener. You’ll feel humbled and exhausted, and you’ll often get it wrong. It’s hard work. You may feel that your intellect has been reduced to that of a child, as you find yourself unable to complete simple tasks like grocery shopping. It may take months or even years before you feel comfortable or even functional conversing within the constructs of a new language. Learning the intricate nuances of language and culture can take a lifetime.

But when your vocabulary is reduced to the most simplistic forms, and your desire for connection with people is hampered by your limited vocabulary, you’ll be driven to plead with the Holy Spirit for help. You’ll pray for the right words at the right time and learn to fully depend on God.

Above all else, a language learner needs to keep a vital, deep walk with God. This will sustain you when the process gets hard. You learn the language because it demonstrates the love Christ showed by taking on flesh and living among us so we might behold the glory of God. You persevere through the difficulty and stress by clinging to God through the process.

“My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.” Psalm 63:8 (ESV)

Participate by Praying:

Dozens of Christar workers are currently in the throes of language learning. Pray for courage, perseverance and vision in this process.