AI Translation, Culture, and the Myth of Missions Shortcuts

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 Translation and 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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