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For more information on how it works, Click Here!
FriendSpeak
“Reaching Out to Our International Neighbors with
English, Friendship, and the Word of God”
As students from every corner of the globe arrive at the University of Texas at Arlington, Christians have an opportunity to reach the world with the Good News of Jesus.
The FriendSpeak strategy is effective because it offers people something they want but have difficulty finding---a friend who will help them improve their conversational English. Unlike traditional English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) classes, language missions, or literacy programs, FriendSpeak is conducted in a one-on-one setting with the emphasis on relationship and meaningful conversation, not on teaching the text.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Why is FriendSpeak effective?
FriendSpeak is effective because Christians are able to offer people something they want---English----while providing them something they need---friendship and faith. The FriendSpeak advantage is that it uses the Word of God to help people practice their English conversation skills. By doing this, there can be movement back and forth between discussions about language and discussions about faith.
- Is FriendSpeak an ESL (English-as-a-Second-Language) Program?
Not exactly. FriendSpeak is designed for those who already speak a little English, but who want to practice “conversation” with an American friend. Although your reader’s language skills will improve dramatically, FriendSpeak is not an official “teaching” curriculum for language, reading, or writing.
- Do I need to know another language to participate?
Not at all! FriendSpeak sessions are conducted entirely in English.
- What are the reading sessions like?
The reading sessions are between 45 minutes to one hour in length. Part of the time is spent in friendly conversation, the basis for a non-threatening, relaxed, and caring atmosphere. The remainder of the session is spent using a lesson from one of the FriendSpeak workbooks. (There is a series of workbooks, each of which contains lessons with excerpts from the Bible, as well as comprehension and thought-provoking questions. The first workbook is from the book of Luke.)
- Is there training involved?
Yes, there is a training, which takes several hours. After the training you will feel very comfortable with using the workbooks, and you will be familiar with the basic philosophy of FriendSpeak.
- What is my time commitment to FriendSpeak?
After the training, your commitment will be for one hour per week for at least one semester, preferable one school year. (Our readers will be UTA students.)
- Where do the reading sessions take place?
The sessions generally take place at Park Row Church of Christ in Arlington on Sunday afternoons. However, other arrangements might be worked out.
Contact Ron Haker for more information.
More information can be found at www.friendspeak.org