Community Is My Language Classroom!: Real-Life Stories from Around the World of Language Learning and Missionary Ministry by Those Who Are Learning T

by E. Thomas Brewster

Genres: Christian

246 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1986

Reviews

[Bro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book! It was a challenge to me to get out lots more. Sometimes I think what I am doing outside the house is not productive. You know the chit chat, service issues, buying stuff in the mark, etc. I feel like what I do building lessons or teaching is what I am supposed to do. After reading this I fear I have it all backwards... The community is my office, and it is the place where I can expand my language and relationships if I use it with that focus. We learned about this in my recent class on Language and Culture acqusition. It is good to have a coach though so you can monitor your progress. I am sure LAMP covers these issues. That may be my next book to read as I am not completely in with every single principle of this language learning program. It seems you need some boundries to make sure it all goes as it should. You need a coach and an overseer to make sure you swim and not sink. I am sure if we knew the whole stories as some said they had help outside the community for grammar and other things. We do not need to isolate ourselves either. Ministry comes in many areas not just with nationals; however, if we want to minister it helps to be in their community and not in our compounds! Jesus left heaven to come to our community, lived as us, suffered more than us and did what it took to redeem us. Thank God He was willing!

[Susie]

I thought this was an excellent book about what it really takes to learn a language. I think everyone should read it before moving to the foreign field. And as an English teacher it has renewed my excitement about spending time with my students. Language is not going to be completely learned in the classroom...you have to be out with the people learning not just the language but culture also. Adopting a learner role is not easy for us self-sufficient Westerners but is much needed. We have to realize that learning is a lifetime process and that we have much to learn from the people we came to serve.

[William Stapleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anecdotes and illustrations from language learners using the Brewster method (L.A.M.P.) this is invaluable for anyone attempting to do long-term missionary service.