I found the coolest thing the other day while browsing the Memphis Library web site. (One of my favorite haunts, since getting an e-reader. Constantly checking out books!) Many public libraries now offer Mango, a FREE language-learning curriculum. I love learning new things, and let's face it, my college Spanish is a little rusty, and the Hebrew words I picked up from working at the best little school in Memphis are pretty useless with no context. So I entered my library card number and got started. There are over 30 languages for English speakers, including Arabic, Chinese French, and ...Pirate. I am assuming this last one is for giggles, since Jack Sparrow dialect (aargh, me hearties!) is no longer commonly used.
I chose both Spanish and Hebrew courses to build on what I already knew. The lessons are super easy- the screen shows the text as a narrator models correct pronunciation. Hebrew shows up both in Hebraic characters and English transliteration to help you understand better. The best part is the free iPhone app you can very quickly download, and learn anywhere.
So you may be wondering why I am talking about this on my children's ministry blog. I think my job is not to just teach children about God and his plans for our lives, but also to make it easier for parents to raise children in the way He wants. A website like Mango helps parents raise a more well-rounded, culturally aware child. If your child displays a talent for languages, who knows what this might turn into? Missionary trips to Mexico using the Spanish they learned? A great job in the military made possible by early exposure to Arabic? Business deals helped by mastery of Chinese?
As Christians, we are to be in the world but not of the world (John 17:13-18, Romans 12:2). We are not to fall prey to the sinful activities the world can offer us that lead us away from our true purpose- to glorify God and
lead others to Him. We can best accomplish this goal if we know and understand our neighbor.
