Outside of support raising, the thing that scared me the most about moving overseas was language learning. I was (and still am) intimidated by how hard Arabic is to learn for native English speakers. The exciting thing about learning Arabic is that it’s the start of a new journey with God and into this new culture I’m immersed in.
Here are three things God has shown me about language learning this month:
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Language learning is the perfect opportunity to experience the culture firsthand. Language is more than just spoken words, it’s part of the country’s or region’s culture. Coffee is a great example of this. As an American, my associations and perceptions that I have with coffee are different from my Arab neighbor’s associations and perceptions of coffee. In America, coffee might bring to mind frappuccinos at Starbucks, time spent with friends at a quaint local coffee shop, or early mornings at home. But the word coffee itself refers to the black liquid in a special mug. In my area, coffee is an event. It’s often served at home in the majlis (living room) in small cups called finjan - similar to the size of an espresso shot - and is often accompanied with dates and other small treats. In the Arab world, coffee is not just a drink, it's an occasion. These cultural meanings go beyond learning just the Arabic word qahwa (coffee); they come from spending time in the host culture with locals who introduce you to their world. Learning the language gives you insights into a new culture.
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Learning the local language is a way to serve others. Surprisingly, English is used a lot here in the Middle East. Street signs are in English and in Arabic, and most people know enough English to have a basic conversation. For those of us who are native English speakers, learning a second language helps us connect with our neighbors in their communities. Intentional time and effort spent learning their language shows that we value them, their culture, and their presence in our lives. Even saying a simple greeting in their heart language can open the door for deeper relationships. Learning the local language is a way I can serve others.
- Language learning is a way that God invites us to rely on Him. Arabic is one of the hardest languages for a native English speaker to learn. There are sounds in Arabic that don’t exist in English, different grammar patterns and verb conjugations, as well as a completely different writing script. For me, trying to learn it all feels intimidating. Learning Arabic has been a new way for me to rely on God. I can’t learn Arabic on my own; I need God’s help. God both made my brain and can speak Arabic, and my prayers have been me asking for a mix of the two: “Lord, help my brain absorb all that I am learning and put it into practice.” Praying for a smooth learning experience doesn’t take away the hard work I’m putting into my Arabic studies, but it positions me to be fully reliant on God and reminds me that I am nothing without Him.
This month was just the beginning of my time learning Arabic here. Even in just a short amount of time, I’ve seen how God uses language learning for my good as I serve Him overseas. He’s the God of every nation, tribe, and tongue!