Tshiluba–post #2 on language learning

Songs are my friends. I have seven hymns in Tshiluba with French translations. I have hard copies and also recordings of the songs. Daily, I practice some of the songs. Music helps our brains retain information, which is why most of us remember nursery rhymes.

I gave a prayer in Tshiluba at church–to the surprise of the members there. They didn’t know I had been working on it. I had sent myself the words to review on my phone, and reviewed them several times a day.

I attended several meetings in Tshiluba yesterday. French translation was provided. This let me predict which words I’d hear in Tshiluba. It worked well. I identified maybe one word per every 100 spoken.

I do pay attention to grammar, but much more to conversation, songs, and the rhythm of scriptures.

My prediction is that I will have conversational skills in another month. I always tell people to wait at least six months while they’re learning a language (in an immersive situation) before getting impatient. Celebrate every step!