Hkun Myat Aung in the Philippines - Photo: Hkun Myat Aung
Learning a new language "Cebuano" allows me to experience childlike. Experiencing childlike is filled with a deep layer of emotion. First of all, I feel vulnerable and helpless when beginning to learn Cebuano because I feel like a child, beginning to listen and absorb everything whatever the teachers said. On the other hand, I could not catch even a word or comprehend when someone said something. This is a vulnerable experience; however, this vulnerable experience leads me to awareness of my limitation in life. Simultaneously I discover also curiousness within my heart along together with my limitation.
This curious desire is a distinguishing characteristic of a childlike experience for me. This curious desire leads me to open myself to making mistakes in learning the Cebuano language. Curiosity leads me to speak out to the teacher and to the people with whom I encounter, on one hand, I receive help from the people in correcting my pronunciation and proper use of the word. This is a childlike experience. In Cebuano “Mura ko ug bata nga nagtuon ug bag-ong pinulongan.”
This experience helps me in the learning process, gradually I begin to memorize the word and to understand the context of the language. Finally, this childlike experience allows me to understand why Jesus emphasizes reminding his disciples to become like children. “He called a child over, placed it in their midst, and said, Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Mt. 18:2-3”
Hkun Myat Aung is a Columban Student in the Philippines.
