In a word - Hi-stinkin-larious!
Our professore, Loraina, is from Mexico and has been studying Italiano for 16 years. Doesn't speak a lick of English!
Our only classmate is a woman of Spanish decent, raised in Uruguay until school age, and has lived in Australia since. Adrianna speaks Brittish English and Spanish, and has a couple weeks on us in Italiano.
When we gringos don't understand something (like every-other-minute of the 4-hour class, hello?), the prof explains to the Australian Spanish woman (who doesn't really get it either) in Spanish, then she explains to us! Em said, "I could do this job!" Yes you can baby...and better than anyone else!
Needless to say, we are feeling the profound effects of the Tower of Bable! Please pass the Motrin...
New, but related thought: I'm really glad we're translating the JESUS Film into 1900 languages!
See, "Faith comes by hearing, and hearing the Word of Christ" Rom. 10:17
Half the world's population is pre-literate, so we need to give them the Gospel in a medium 3 billion souls will understand. The JESUS Film is the Gospel of Luke on Film!
So, let's keep translating, people! Learning a language can be fun (or not...), but the proclamation of the Gospel is urgent!!! Let's not wait for folks out there to learn one of the 1100 languages we have done...let's give everyone, everywhere one chance to see JESUS! Amen?!
Quando avete acquistato padronanza della lingua italiana, si avrà solo 1898 per imparare le lingue a sinistra - e allora si sarà fino a velocità!
ReplyDeletehttp://translate.google.com/#it|en|
When you have mastered the Italian language, you will have only 1898 languages left to learn - and then you will be up to speed!
I just got home from a 2 1/2 day training that focused in part on the difficulties English language learners have in our school classrooms. I'll bet you can totally identify with them! In fact, any thought and feelings you can share with me would be great, as I will be working with teachers who have these learners in their classrooms. Imagine trying to learn the language AND the academic content (e.g., science, math, how to write an essay)in Italian!! Hang in there! Thanks for keeping us "posted" (pun intended) Love you all!
ReplyDeleteWow, I am glad you think that is funny. I would be so annoyed! Perhaps you will learn Spanish too during the craziness. That'd be cool.
ReplyDeleteLove you guys a TON and thanks for sharing your journey with us. We'll continue to keep you in our prayers and maybe God will open the door for me (Jan is not up for the flight) to visit before you head back home next year.
ReplyDeleteMike & Jan Henry