Second Language Learning and Our Christian Journey

Written by Lisa Brown

One of the most unusual gifts I received from my dad was a piece of fossilized wood. What a fascinating lesson I would learn from this.

When I was a young child, my dad gifted me with a piece of fossilized wood. It completely baffled me. I can still remember observing the weight and the coolness of this “wood” in my small hands and being puzzled. Though it still had its original wooden shape, it felt like stone.

It took a college geology class to reveal to me how the fascinating process of fossilization turns the remains of a plant or animal into rock. However, the term fossilization has recently become relevant to me in a very different way.

I live in Italy, where I am an English teacher for Italian-speaking students. I’m also a student of Italian.

As a teacher, I see students plateau or appear to cease learning. Sometimes they pick up incorrect grammar or pronunciation habits that can become ingrained. Often the process begins without their being aware of it, and their lack of progress can lead them to be frustrated and occasionally even give up.

In the language-learning world, this is referred to as fossilization.

Possible reasons for fossilization

Why does fossilization happen when someone is learning a second language? Reasons include a lack of:

Good early education.
Feedback for mistakes.
Practical application for real-life situations.
Motivation.

On the final point, lack of motivation, students may reach a stage where they can understand and communicate well enough to get by, leading to a loss of motivation to continue studying and improving. This “just good enough” phase causes them to settle for mediocrity.

I think back to my early, giddy and exciting days of learning Italian. Surely fluency was just around the corner. After all, I was able to read menus, amass a stockpile of vocabulary words and conjugate verbs correctly! Yet beware the language-app claims of quick success and “fluency in just six months.” There are no shortcuts! Real conversations with Italians rarely went well, as I felt that Italian words were coming at me at 90 miles an hour! I often missed crucial information.

As my acuity improves pian piano (little by little), I’ve come to better understand the long and challenging journey to proficiency. As I consider ways to help my students address possible language fossilization, I’m seeing some similarities between the journey of learning a second language and our learning journey as Christians.

Our learning journey as Christians

Early in my calling, learning from God’s Word was new and exciting. As an older teenager, I remember the thrill of growing in understanding. We probably all remember our motivation to study and learn in the earlier days of our calling.

But, as time passes, is it possible for fossilization to set in? Christ’s parable of the sower (Matthew 13) and warnings about impenitent and hardened hearts (Romans 2:5-6) seem to indicate it is. So, how can we stand the test of time and not become fossilized?

The importance of support and feedback

Remember the bullet points that addressed the reasons for language fossilization? These challenges often arise when learners lack support. Learning in isolation is far more difficult than being surrounded by native speakers who provide encouragement, help in navigating practical challenges and offer gentle correction when mistakes are made.

This is known as immersion—and nothing is better for achieving fluency!

Similarly, by immersing ourselves among others on the Christian journey, we not only strengthen our own spiritual growth but also support our brothers and sisters (Hebrews 3:7-15). The Greek word parakaleo, translated as “exhort” in verse 13, encompasses teaching, strengthening, comforting and encouraging—offering help that will extend into the future.

How do we protect against fossilization?

How can I keep my heart from hardening? In learning this crucial Christian language, we must never allow the mindset of “just good enough” or practicing the language on our own to be an option. “As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend” (Proverbs 27:17).

We gain spiritual strength and support from interacting with our brothers and sisters, “fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God” (Ephesians 2:19). And, just like in learning a second language, we need to have that immersive interaction regularly.

Those of us scattered across Europe have the blessing of being connected through a messaging group organized by our pastor. This frequent contact through Zoom Bible studies and Sabbath fellowship is how we share both our joys and trials.

If you’re feeling isolated—whether due to distance, health concerns or some other situation—there are ways to stay connected and to prevent fossilization. You could ask your pastor for suggestions of members you might contact on a regular basis through online platforms or regular phone contact or by sending encouraging cards.

Support during difficult times, gentle feedback, encouragement and a shared hope for the future all contribute to successfully speaking our uniquely shared language.

Further suggested reading:

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Madisonwi/iStock via Getty Images