Divine words: what role does language learning play in religious practice? (Matthew Jenkin, The Guardian)

For many, developing an understanding of a religion extends to learning its associated language. We spoke to those learning Arabic, Hebrew and classical Tibetan.

Does relying on a translations of a religious text get in the way of practising a faith? Photograph: Robert Nickelsberg/Getty Images.

“Silence is the language of God, all else is poor translation,” Sufi mystic Rumi once said.

Words are, however, a way for the worldly to connect with the divine through prayer and worship. For many, developing a greater understanding of a religion extends not only to studying the theological and philosophical points but to learning another language. We spoke to three people studying Arabic, Hebrew and classical Tibetan about the role languages play in their relationship with religion.

How do you do ‘How do you do?’? ( Viv Groskop, The Guardian)

The English language lacks a standard greeting, leading us into all manner of embarrassing situations. This must change.

A handshake is not always welcome: “Show respect, I am a captain of light industry.” Photograph: Alamy.

Years ago my late grandfather met my school exchange penfriend for the first time. She was an attractive young Frenchwoman. He was a proud patriot who could rarely be persuaded to eat lasagne because it was “foreign muck”. Grandad got confused about his continental greetings and kissed her full on the mouth. She turned to me and hissed: “C’est normal?”. I shrugged in what I imagined to be Gallic fashion. No, it is not normal. Sorry about the lack of dentures. Welcome to England.