By Rachel Call

Indonesian is an unusual addition to BYU's foreign language curriculum. FLANG 330R, advanced language proficiency through cultural studies: Indonesian was started this semester to teach students not only speaking and listening skills, but also reading, writing, grammar and culture. Another unique aspect of this class is the fact that the students have the opportunity to help the professor transcribe and translate interviews from Indonesian research.

Because for a period of about 20 years no Latter-day Saint missionaries went to Indonesia, it was not until recently that Indonesian returned missionaries began coming to BYU. Two of these returned missionaries, Richard Bindrup and Jules Hoehn, recognized the potential of an Indonesian class and decided to find out what it would take to add one to the curriculum.

Hoehn said he knew Bindrup in the MTC and they heard other missionaries talking about passing proficiency exams in the languages they learned on their missions to earn 14-16 graded credit hours at BYU. When Hoehn and Bindrup came to BYU after their missions, they wanted to take an Indonesian class and realized BYU didn't offer any.

"We wanted those credits," Hoehn said. The only way to earn them was by starting an Indonesian class.

Less commonly taught foreign language classes at BYU are created when there is a demand for them and if a qualified teacher can be found. It is Agnes Welch's job as Program Manger for the Center for Language Studies to recognize this demand and act upon it to meet the needs of BYU students. After going through the necessary steps to start the class, and with the help of Welch, BYU now has its first Indonesian class. There are currently 19 students enrolled in the class which is more than most FLANG classes.

"These students and returned missionaries want to maintain their language. A classroom instruction setting is always a good way to do that," Welch said.

However, it is not just language and grammar skills that are valued in this class. Chad Emmett, FLANG 330R instructor, said he strives to teach his students about the culture and history of Indonesia as well.

"It exposes them much more to Indonesian culture and history that as missionaries they would never have had time to learn about or even consider," Emmett said.

For students, translating and transcribing is an exciting part of the class. Emmett traveled to Indonesia last summer to do research and gathered over 80 interviews which make up over 39 hours of recorded material. The experience students gain from translating and transcribing is priceless because it is an opportunity to hear native Indonesian speakers use vocabulary words that are new to many returned missionaries.

Bindrup appreciates the exposure to Indonesian current events FLANG 330R gives him. "We served there for two years but as missionaries you don't read the newspaper," Bindrup said.

Another unique aspect of the class is reconnecting with fellow missionaries. Hoehn enjoys meeting with classmates and reminiscing about their missions.

"It's a lot of fun. It's great to sit around with all your old returned missionary buddies and joke around and remember old investigators and members you had," Hoehn said.

Not only does the new Indonesian class benefit students, it benefits BYU as a university.

"It just adds to the breadth of what we do. Every new language that is taught is just a bonus for BYU students and promotes global awareness and greater language ability," Emmett said.

Copyright Brigham Young University 1 May 2008