Abstract
Communities that are limited by oral traditions find theological truths communicated by missions a challenge to understand. Currently, linguists work in many of these minority language groups in order to create vital written languages and produce various literature titles that include the Scriptures. Development of a writing system requires indigenous language assistants who are adept in drawing meaning from unfamiliar cultural paradigms and accurately articulating them. Empirical studies in cognitive style conducted among the minority language groups of Irian Jaya, Indonesia show a correlation between field independence (a dimension of cognitive style) and the ability to grasp abstract linguistic concepts. The ‘Brantley/Larsen Test’ was developed to identify language assistants, also known as change agents, in a culturally appropriate manner for Irian Jaya. Furthermore, this study suggests that the church would benefit from community lay counselors who manifest field independence, which indicates comprehension of abstract and complex linguistic notions found in Scriptures.
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Brantley, B.I. Field Independence and Change Agent Correlation in Emerging Communities of Irian Jaya, Indonesia. Pastoral Psychology 49, 227–239 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1004890412339
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1004890412339