Language Learning for Dummies

“What we need is a ‘Culture & Language Learning for Dummies’ book!” states missionary Char Hunt as she and husband Jaime, work hard at language and culture study.  They, along with their 4 children live among the Nivacle tribal people of Paraguay.

“What does it take to learn a tribal language?”  Char asks.

“It takes Attitude!”  She answers emphatically.  “It requires that the Nivacle people be willing to instruct us, correct us, allow their voices to be recorded, and most importantly be our friends.”

“Culture and language learning go hand in hand, and require that we, the learners, be motivated, humble (really humble), teachable, observant, organized and patient.”  Char continues.  “We often feel like dummies, and sometimes talk like one, according to our Nivacle friends.”

Jaime shares how language, culture and relationship all collide to create a great day of learning!

“ I was observing a friend as he dressed an animal after a successful hunt,” Jaime said.  “He began to share with me, not only his language but the many cultural taboos surrounding the dressing and eating of the deer.  Women are not to eat the meat around the hip area or it could mean a complication in childbirth. Men are not to eat the heart, as it would make the deer fearful and skittish at the sight of the hunter.  The tail is removed carefully and placed in a safe place to insure that more deer be seen on future hunts.”

“Learning about the Nivacle language and culture is an adventure we enjoy,” the Hunts claim.  “However we long for the day when we no longer feel like ‘dummies’, when we can converse intelligently with our Nivacle friends, and tell them why we are here among them.  Please pray that we are learners in all things.”