Learning The Language: Stick it in your ear!
One word in an African language can have many meaning, depending upon the tone that is used. For example, the word "ojo" can have almost a dozen different meanings, depending upon the context and the tone. Like our word "tear" can also mean "tear", the word "ojo" can mean, or "a rainy day", or "leaking", etc. Since "ojo" can either be the name of a person, or can mean "a coward", if the proper tone is not used, one might make the mistake of calling a person a coward, when trying to pronounce his name. When "ojo" refers to a person's name, the tone must be "do" "mi", or a lower tone on the first syllable, and a higher tone on the second. Thus, in order to speak, for example, the Yoruba or many other languages properly, one must not only learn the vocabulary, but also learn the tone, in order to be understood. Since this necessity is over-ruled in the process of singing, I will make up songs in Yoruba, so as to convey meaning, prior to being forced to also learn the tone. Thus, I have come up with about 2 dozen songs to date, mostly of Scripture verses that I commonly use in my teaching. Every small effort that I invest in the learning of any of these languages, is wonderfully and powerfully rewarded in the deep appreciation and respect these people show for my efforts. Thus, I am always eager to learn and speak more and more of the languages of the people to whom I am privileged to minister.