Institute of Strategic Languages and Cultures
Why Study Before you go?
It has been said that, "The best place to learn a language is in the country where it is spoken. " This statement is certainly true. However, due to a number of factors, the country where a language is spoken may not be the best place to begin a study of that language.
Language Complexity
Languages differ from one another in terms of complexity. For the speaker of English, some languages will be relatively simple and easy to learn. But unfortunately, languages were not created equal! Many languages, such as Spanish, are relatively easy to pick up directly from the people who speak them (provided the individual has a mind for language learning). But Russian is grammatically complex, with its many case endings, challenging verb forms, etc. Arabic is also grammatically difficult, but with some other complex components including a variety of suffix changes and wild verb forms. Chinese is certainly nothing like Spanish, with its tones and context-specific vocabulary. Many Chinese words are pronounced exactly the same, but have very different meanings! These three languages are very difficult to properly learn without some good grammar and other instruction from those who understand your needs.
A good grammar instructor can help the student to learn the grammar rule book of Russian or Arabic, so that he or she will be able to apply the rules to new and ever-changing communication skills. Solid phonetics training and explanation of the context in which words are used will enable the student of Chinese to master the skills needed for good communication.
Because of the grammatical and other kinds of instruction they receive, ISLC students acquire the ability to speak accurately and effectively far faster than those who attempt to learn directly from native speakers in-country. This is essential if one hopes to become a fluent and effective communicator of God's truth. Speaking accurately can make the difference between good communication and miscommunication!
Learner Aptitude
In the same way that we cannot approach all languages in the same way, we also cannot approach all language learners in the same way. Each individual has a certain natural propensity or aptitude for learning a foreign language. Aptitude is a measurement of one's ability to learn the language. It is not a measure of intelligence, so much as it is an evaluation of how one thinks.
For those who have an average or below average aptitude, learning one of these languages will be a very difficult and slow process. What this person (the majority of the population) needs is a learning environment and study pace designed with his specific learning needs in mind. This is not what you can expect overseas!
At ISLC you will be assigned to a track of study designed with your aptitude in mind. And in an encouraging environment where the goal is to minister to your specific needs, by the end of the course you will find yourself (in spite of what your aptitude may be) learning to speak on a level which might otherwise require at least two or three years to attain.
Focus on Language Learning
It is very difficult to concentrate on language learning when overseas. First of all, the missionary has to contend with the pressing needs of living there. Shopping and getting around town require more than three times the amount of time than they do in the states. Just living there is a full-time job. So much so, that language learning often takes a back seat. And the stress produced by an inability to communicate can make the adaptation process much more difficult.
It is also very difficult to not become involved in ministry. After all, making disciples there is your calling and passion! And once you do, with the nature of life there, you will be left with little or no time to focus on language learning.
However, when studying in the States at ISLC, you are provided with a focused learning environment. In fact, when combined with our Cultural House program, all you will do is learn, live and breath the language, and make some great friends in the process!
Methods that Work
One of the greatest advantages of study before you go is who will teach you and how they will go about it. When beginning your journey into this new world, what you desperately need is a fellow traveler. You need instructors who have been down the same road.
At ISLC we have made it our passion to find the most up-to-date, effective methods for teaching you the language. Our focus is always on communication. Therefore, all activities are geared toward effective communication in your new language.
One method you will see is what we call gradual immersion. When you are ready, you will have native instructors immerse you. When you are ready, you may live in a Cultural House and will no longer be allowed to speak English.
Don't Become a Statistic
The ISLC's intensive language programs are all about improving long-term missionary effectiveness. One cause of early missionary attrition is a lack of proper, pre-field training. When interviewed, most missionaries who leave Russia, the Middle East, or China prior to completing their work, cite their inability to adapt to the culture and learn the language as major factors. Take the time; it’s a worthy investment.
I Corinthians 9:20-22: "To the Jews I became as a Jew...I have become all things to all men that I may by all means save some."