Language Recommends

A reader writes:

I am seriously considering pursuing a Ph.D. in Systematic Theology. I have a quick question. The programs I have looked at all have a language requirement. I have graduate degrees, in other fields; however, I have never taken any foreign languages. Now I am facing the task of becoming proficient enough to translate New Testament Greek, Latin and German (or French) with a dictionary. Do you have any recommendations of programs that I can begin preparing now? I am currently working on a MA in Theology and Christian Ministry (distance learning) from Franciscan University so I have some time to get ready. I would greatly appreciate any suggestions you might have.

For living langauges like French and German, definitely Pimsleur.

For the biblical ones, SEE HERE and ALSO HERE.

Author: Jimmy Akin

Jimmy was born in Texas, grew up nominally Protestant, but at age 20 experienced a profound conversion to Christ. Planning on becoming a Protestant seminary professor, he started an intensive study of the Bible. But the more he immersed himself in Scripture the more he found to support the Catholic faith, and in 1992 he entered the Catholic Church. His conversion story, "A Triumph and a Tragedy," is published in Surprised by Truth. Besides being an author, Jimmy is the Senior Apologist at Catholic Answers, a contributing editor to Catholic Answers Magazine, and a weekly guest on "Catholic Answers Live."

6 thoughts on “Language Recommends”

  1. Thanks for the help, Jimmy! I am really excited to dig in. I appreciate your time and consideration!

  2. For academic work, you MUST be able to READ the language. Being able to read the language is (for grad school purposes) more important than being able to speak the language. Most grad schools usually have some sort of “French for reading” or “German for reading” courses oriented towards giving grad students the ability to read and translate original texts. You would probably learn how to correctly pronounce the language, but speaking the language is not at all the focus of the course. However, you’d probably do better in such a course if you already have some exposure to the language (such as that a Pimsleur course would give you). Unless you can pass out of a language requirement by showing appropriate coursework, most grad school programs will give you an examination which will involve translation of written texts.
    An interesting text you might want to look at is “French for Reading” by Karl C. Sandberg. It’s totally suitable for self-study because it was done in the programmed-instruction format. There was a companion “German for Reading” that I think is now out of print. Sandberg has also co-authored “Spanish for Reading: A Self-Instructional Course.”

  3. Yes, languages are very important for graduate and post graduate research degrees. Usually universities and colleges require two modern languages in addition to the ancient languages needed for the thesis. Normally the two modern languages are French and German, yet many departments of theology allow theological Spanish or Italian to be used as well. Some departments let you choose either French or German and another modern language of your choice. Nontheless, languages such as Greek and Latin are also important for Systematic or Dogmatic Theology in the Catholic Tradition. At the Angelicum in Rome (as well as many other Pontifical Universities in Rome), one must learn Italian in addition to the modern languages used in research and the ancient languages. They also require Hebrew.
    The best way to learn languages is to enroll in an intensive language prep program at a local college or university. Here in California, UC Berkeley has summer intensive language workshops in many languages both modern and ancient. This can be very expensive and even more time consuming. In other words if you enroll in a similar program, don’t expect to have a summer job or a social life. An alternative would be to enroll in language classes at the local community/jr college. A friend of mine took French at a community college and it helped to pave the way for further independent langage study. It is a cost effective way of learning a language. Though much of what is taught in the community college classroom is primarly speaking (that is to say conversational), one can still learn enough to “get the basics”. I would also recommed finidng a good introductory text book at a local bookshop to supplement your classes. A great primer for languages is the BARRON’S series (e.g. French: Mastering the Basics) etc. Additionally, look at the web sites to your local counsulate or embassy, many offer language courses that will give you a cost effect cusory study of a language. For example here in San Francisco the Italian Counsulate holds languages classes at all levels at a cheap rate, the German Institute here does the same. McGraw Hill Publishers also have introductory books that are specifically for reading knowledge of a language. They also have a second book for each language that builds upon the first (again these books are for reading knowledge). The first book would start with reading magazine articles and short stories and later move to more academic material. For example, the Italian book included a sermon by John Paul II.
    In any case, it is best to learn these languages a soon into your doctoral or advanced MA program as possible. The earlier, the better.
    Oh and a suggestion for learning classical languages: Collins’ A PRIMER OF ECCLESIASTICAL LATIN (Catholic University of America Press) is great, plus they are coming out with an answer key to check your work in Nov. 2006. As for Greek, the New Testament textbooks by Cambridge University are VERY helpful.

  5. Bible Degree

    General Studies Diploma; Biblical Studies Diploma; Associate Degree of Ministry Florida College, Temple Terrace, FL ( Bible ); Two years, Au

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