Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Language is the gateway to a culture.

My students are hungry to learn everything they can about American culture and learning the English language is their road of discovery.

While reading the Book of Mormon I came across a thought provoking scripture in 2Nephi 31:3 that reminded of this journey of discovery:
 "...For the Lord God giveth light unto the understanding; for he speaketh unto men according to their language, unto their understanding."

The Lord is profoundly aware of the Point of Departure of every language of all the nationalities in the world. And He speaks the language of truth and light to every nation, kindred, tongue and people in such a way that it can be understood within the viewpoint and culture of each nationality.   Language and culture are tightly and distinctly interwoven. Learning a second language is a journey into a culture.

When language was diversified at the Tower of Babel, the beginning of a rich tapestry of cultures was also introduced that would further separate the families of the earth beyond mere language barriers.   Nevertheless, the Gospel of Jesus Christ reaches and teaches every heart in every language and culture, bringing the same light and truth to all the honest in heart.

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