WHEN YOU CROSS CULTURES - World Evangelical Alliance

OTHER QUALITIES AND QUALIFICATIONS
4 Language Aptitude
Although some people have better language aptitude than others, expect
language learning to be hard work and practice. Because learning a language is
a necessity for cross-cultural work, it would be advisable to test one’s language
aptitude. Some people have difficulty in hearing different sounds; others have
difficulty in pronouncing words accurately. Some languages are also more
difficult to learn than others.
There are some good language schemes. One that is commonly used is
the LAMP (Language Acquisition Made Practical) method. It was devised by
E. Thomas Brewster and his wife Elizabeth S. Brewster to help missionaries
develop effective techniques for learning any language. 1
Their textbook Language Acquisition Made Practical (LAMP) describes
their technique for creative language learning. The method emphasises speaking
the new language right from the start and this gives motivation for the learner.
Language helpers are alongside to help the learners practise. The course
attempts to link language learning with the broader culture.
One of my Asian colleagues studied a new language using LAMP. He
found that, though LAMP had many strengths, the method had some
limitations. It assumed that language learners could teach themselves with
minimal help from language teachers. This assumes the learner has had linguistic
training to know what to look for. The method also suggests that the traditional
classroom approach is ineffective. My Asian colleague together with his field
leader modified their language learning approach by incorporating the study
of language structures, a syllabus of topics and a weekly evaluation. They used
part of the classroom approach.
In language learning, methodology is only one of the considerations.
Other considerations are language aptitude, maximum exposure and language
immersion, full time disciplines, and motivation. The degree of difficulty or
ease in learning a particular language is obviously a major one too.
Sometimes candidates with a low linguistic aptitude have been sent to
countries with difficult languages to learn. Occasionally a person has been able
to perform well in spite of language limitations because of other exceptional
qualities. But there have been other situations when a good candidate has had
to return from the field early because of language difficulties.
Others remain longer and prolong their frustration as they struggle with
language learning. The time taken may have diminishing returns both in the
cost to the mission and the persons themselves. It may take up to eight years or
more to master a difficult language. Poor language learners may never be able
to adequately master such a language.
1 The Lingua House website mentions that this is “A Non-School language” learning project. A sixteen cassette album with a
300-page syllabus contains an entire language acquisition course by Drs. Tom and Betty Sue Brewster. < www.instantweb.com/l/
linguahouse/How-to.html >
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