Presenting in a second language

So around lunch time today I had the opportunity to do a bit of what my family came to Taiwan to do.

I was able to lead a Bible study in Chinese.

It was at my office, and with colleagues who are somewhat familiar with the story.

But on reflection, it reminded me of a few things that I think I distinctively know, though are easy to forget.

1. Our comprehension and ability to hold a conversation is limited by our vocabulary. 

Sometimes we're tempted to judge people's intelligence based on their vocabulary. But it is only a small piece of the bigger picture. You can prepare a whole number of thoughts and potential responses, but ultimately only the words you know lead to being able to go back and forth in dialogue, to learn from others.

2. Repetition aids understanding. My church back in Australia would say the same words and pray the same prayers for at least a few months. This was particularly aimed at those for whom English (in Australia).

3. There is great joy in discovering something afresh and familiar in a new language. To be able to connect with people and have them understand you.

4. This is the real lived experience of our friends who learnt English at different times in their lives, or who prefer church in their mother tongue. Sometimes them joining the English service is an act of great sacrifice.

5. There is real power in speaking at a native level the dominant language of communication. The conversation can move very quickly, decisions made, and new topics discussed before the non-native speaker/hearer has understood the original question. We need to consider our weaker brothers in this way.

That said, the only way is up.