Have you ever wanted to say something so bad, but the words just wouldn’t come? This is how it feels when you’re trying to learn a foreign language can’t communicate your thoughts. The language barrier brings frustration, desperation, an overwhelming feeling to grab onto something tangible. Often times you resort to hand motions!
The other day, I was asked to teach a ladies Bible class for the women of the Darmawangsa church of Christ in Jakarta, Indonesia. We had been back in Indonesia for 6 days after having been away from the county for 4 years. Needless to say, my grasp of the Indonesian language was a bit rusty. I felt like I had sufficiently prepared my lesson and was confident of what I wanted to say. But, after beginning my lesson I found myself clawing for words that just wouldn’t form right.
My sentence structure seemed off. My vocabulary was weak. I desperately wanted to communicate what I had studied, but found myself faltering. Did I sound like a two-year old toddler to them? All of these great thoughts and insights flooded through my head, but to communicate them was difficult.
The joys of language learning! You need to keep trying and learn from your mistakes. Stick yourself in sometimes embarrassing situations and let the people around you help you. It’s OK to sound like a two-year old in the beginning, but only for a little while. I am sure they will expect more from me in the weeks to come. Despite my feelings of speechlessness, the ladies asked me to speak again the next Sunday. I am very grateful that they are patient with me as I struggle to use their language.
Question: What do you do when you don’t have the words to communicate your thoughts and feelings? You can leave a comment by clicking here.
Im sure you will get the language back it will just be a lil time! When i need help with translation its of course spanish but thats when i can just look at carlos so i guess i cheat lol
Thanks Carley! I think it is ok to “cheat” off your husband!
You are doing t he right thing; you are ingratiating your self with the community. So what if you are a little bit off; learning or re-familiarizing yourself with a new/known language it’s even good to learn like a 2-year old toddler:) They repeat, and copy sounds and expressions and are self-confident..just the way it supposed to be haha..
I used to jot down things I remembered, and later on I would look at it again, read it and then next time it would be easier. When I went back to Serbia (I learned it growing up and don’t get to speak very often) it took a while for me too but it came back after a while. :)
I am sure you are doing an awesome job, and that the ladies enjoy the bible study no matter what.
Natasha
Natasha, you are such and encourager! Thanks for sharing your experiences with me. You are amazing how many languages you speak!
Thanks Julie; now I just have to use my ability to glorify God :) That’s the plan! I am so encouraged by you and your family. I am going to read your homeschool in Jakarta Blog:)
Natasha
Julie, I am sure you did a great job. Those ladies wanted you to do good. God Bless
Thank you, Jim. They are a wonderful group of women and I am thankful to have their support! Thanks for your comment!
I just found out about your blog. This posting is from September 2013. I’m sure your Indonesian is good now, February 21, 2015. I have lived in the States for 40 years, I still find some thoughts are hard to convey in English. BTW, originally I am from Indonesia. Maybe next time I’ll write to you in Bahasa Indonesia?