Can AI technology shortcut language barriers for the gospel?
Alex Kocman and Scott Dunford explore the connection between language, culture, and gospel communication. They discuss Apple’s new AirPods Pro 3 with Live Translation and explain why technology can’t replace the slow, intentional work of learning a language. Scott shares personal stories from learning Mandarin, showing how culture shapes meaning and how simple translation can miss the point.
They also warn against reductionistic approaches to missions that downplay language learning and rely too much on quick methods. God Himself prepared a cultural framework over centuries for Christ’s coming, which shows why missionaries must engage deeply with local language and culture to clearly communicate the gospel.
Key Topics
- Apple AirPods Pro 3 with Live Translationand the excitement and limitations for missions work
- Language and culture as inseparable
- How language shapes thought and the need for teaching new concepts
- Cultural literacy and understanding local history, customs, and “insider language”
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