One of the most useful things you can do to prepare for cross-cultural ministry is to take a language acquisition course. These courses do not teach a specific language (except as examples) but, rather, teach you how to learn any new language effectively. For that reason, you do not have to wait until you know where you will be serving. A the same time, you probably should not take such a course too long before you need it, so you don't forget what you learn.

PILAT is a popular course but there are others; consult with SIM or your own agency to learn more. If you can’t attend an actual course, consider using the LEARN! video series by the author of LAMP: Language Acquisition Made Practical .

Books

• LAMP: Language Acquisition Made Practical is an excellent resource for learning a language. If you can find an inexpensive copy before you arrive, you may want to get started on it. It seems to be out of print but see Lingua House where the author may still be selling it. SIM Nigeria has copies for its members. If you’re with another organization, they may also have copies.

• Another related book that looks interesting (but I haven’t read) is Guidelines for Barefoot Language Learning.

Online Resources

• Language Learning Advisor is a site with lots of tips and general information.

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