Tim and Kathryn Warner S.E.R.V.I.N.G IN M.O.Z.A.M.B.I.Q.U.E _img.jpg)
So why do we have to study Portuguese?
Mozambique has a variety of different people groups and languages. Portuguese is the official language. Many local African languages, such as Tsonga, Sena Nyanja, Makonde and Macua, are also spoken.
When we arrive in Mozambique we are going to have to be able to function in society. We are going to need to have adequate exposure to the Portuguese language before we arrive in the country.
In order to be able to connect with others in ministry it is important to speak in there heart language. This will lead to better understanding and relationships being built.
In the past, Missionaries going to Mozambique would learn portuguese for a year in Portugal. We were given the option of going directly to Mozambique.
The positive of this is that we will be able to be in the Mozambique culture while learning the language thus making it easier. It is going to be difficult to learn a language from scratch but God is faithful and we are trusting Him to work through our work studying Portuguese.
We are currently spending part of our time studying Portuguese by using language software known as Rosetta Stone. Although this gives us good exposure to the language and its vocabulary, the dialect spoken in Mozambique is different to the dialect spoken using Rosetta stone. This is why when we arrive in Mozambique, we will have to tweak what we have studied in slight ways. Evidently, this exposure to Portuguese so early in the game is very important.
With all that said, click on this link to see us practicing our portuguese. We feel highly embarresed showing everyone this so all you portuguese speakers, forgive us for the bad pronunciation and terrible accents.
