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Highlighting, giving prominence and emotional involvement may be indicated by the introduction of certain particles, rearranging parts of a sentence, or by utilizing special intonation patterns. Once you get a feel for these things try practicing them using various Bible stories (Creation, the Fall into sin, Abraham call, the Exodus, the Crucifixion and Resurrection, Pentecost etc.) Some languages have forms to indicate that the story told is not necessarily factual; don’t use those forms when telling your Biblical narratives! After you complete your story ask people to tell you what they thought most important parts were to gauge whether they understood you correctly.
Explanatory discourse (i.e., explaining things) -
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Have people explain different topics or situations to you (i.e., sports leagues, the political system, religious beliefs, the spirit world, the interpretation of dreams, various social attitudes, ancestor cults, taboos, rituals, etc.). Sometimes things of a spiritual nature are expressed using concrete examples and stories from which the listener is expected to draw the necessary principles (a bit like New Testament parables). Note people’s presuppositions when they explain things. To be able to communicate effectively you will need to understand their frames of reference to appreciate the meaning and significance of the concepts discussed. Note the use of repetition: is it sentence-by-sentence or are the main points summarized periodically? Create your own religious explanatory texts use their forms of explanation and repetition. Beware of your personal presuppositions so as to anticipate where your audience may not fully understand you.
Proverbs, sayings, riddles and humor -
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Proverbs, saying, riddles, and humor are all part of people’s oral heritage. Start collecting examples of each as soon as possible. Do people employ some kind of “special language” or do they just use ordinary language? How/when are this things used and how do they teach them to the next generation? Humor is one of the most difficult things to master in a foreign language/culture. Learn when/with whom is it improper to joke. Get people to tell you jokes they know and watch/record comedy shows on TV. If you miss the funny bit get someone to explain it to you—you may have missed a pun, or you may lack the cultural background to appreciate the humor. Try telling some jokes of your own. If people don’t laugh find out why.
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