I have learnt that using non-native words to describe religion, faith and belief is one of the strongest methods to connect with the foreign language. I have done it since childhood and every year, Ramadhan, Christmas, Lebaran, Hari Raya Haji, Sabbath, Chinese New Year or Deepavali arrives, I have to ask myself how to say the words in different languages.

There is a unique attribute amongst people who are multi-lingual that propel them to a level of proficiency that only few can achieve. This is an attribute very dear to those who love languages not just for the sake of it. They embrace the intimate connections between the language, faith, society and culture. Whence you have it, you will get spiritually, socially and culturally connected to the language.

Here are some basics methods I practise every year to keep me in touch with my foreign languages:

Calendar:

Believers subscribe to a calendar of celebrations and worships of the religion or faith they embrace and follow. Do a search on the internet and make notes of it. Every country, religion or faith marks certain days on the calendar to be reminded of unique historical or religious events.

Festival

Once you have the calendar, you can start filling in the names of the festival. If there is no national festival for the month, then learn the name of the month in the foreign language, mark it as no celebration month and remember the name. I use one calendar for one language that I learn so I can keep updating in the same language everytime.

Cultural

How is this celebrated? Make short notes in the language you are good at, and then find the right words to describe them in the foreign language. Costumes, food, greetings and addresses are all relevant information. (I will be extending this topic in future posts.)

Connect

Get connected with people who celebrate or know this festival, send them a greeting in the language of their faith or discuss it with the intention of improving your language.