Learning Languages!

I think... everything might be a language-- any type of information, I mean. Like rock climbing, for instance. There are certain things you have to learn to understand it, and to be able to do it. Just like a person learns a language, a person will need to learn all the aspects and methods of rock climbing, like they'd do with a language. Then, they can use this information to rock climb safely-- to participate in the activity-- to work with it, like you would with a language you'd learn in order to understand or live in its culture. Every type of culture, communication, knowledge, or gathered amount of information is a language, of sorts. Even more, these languages I'm speaking of are pieces of art, too. They are "art" because they have their own style-- they are unique.

The Bible displays a culture-language. Japanese is a language, but you can include its culture as well. Getting along with people, like the people in my family :) , is a language I need to learn. The list could keep going on. I like to describe information or skills-to-learn as a language because it simplifies the task. When you think of information that encompasses a skill or a culture as a language, you think of that skill or culture differently. It helps you realize that the "language":

1. needs to be learned in order to truly communicate with the natives (people in culture or who have mastered or understand or live with that skill)
2. is valuable to these native's lives, and this will become apparent when you delve into its details
3. is a powerful tool for expanding your understanding of the world

To learn a language, as one of these things I've described, you first start with the basics--the beginner's lessons. That means you can learn the general stuff first so you understand the point of what you're doing. Dabble in generalizations and broad areas to have more fun and to spark a fire. Also, learn the meanings of symbols, images, icons, or whatever basic "alphabet" makes it possible to communicate within the culture or terms of that skill. Learn about the surrounding culture, if you want, but you may not need to do that first, if you're interested enough in the icons.

Don't shy away from "taking it slow" with the information. Delve into details when you come to them. These, like in the creation and strengthening or building of a relationship, "taking it slow" is yet more stabilizing, giving you a base of history or experience. But you aren't really taking it slow, anyway-- your actions are building up for a climactic explosion in decision, action, and skill. In other words, it's highly worth it.