Thesis (MTh (Practical Theology and Missiology))--University of Stellenbosch, 2010. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Language serves as a primary medium for humanity to find and communicate meaning. To use language in such a way that an experience of vitality becomes possible for people requires particular understandings of the nature and role of language as medium and framework that mediates the existence of man in the presence of God, rather than merely a consideration of language as medium of communication between persons. The study aims to defend a particular approach to language and language activity by exploring various subject disciplines with the purpose of mediating church practice of communicating the gospel in current contexts. The investigation is done with a practical theological approach and aims to prove as valid the spatial evolutionary understanding of language. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Taal dien as ‘n primêre medium waarin die mens betekenis vind en kommunikeer. Om te kan “taal” op so ‘n manier dat ‘n belewenis van lewenskragtigheid vir mense moontlik word, vra dat die aard en rol van taal op spesifieke maniere verstaan word.– veral dan op maniere wat getrou is aan die rol van taal as medium en raamwerk vir die eksistensiële integriteit van die mens voor die aangesig van God, eerder as slegs die oorweging van taal as medium van kommunikasie tussen persone. In die studie word gepoog om ‘n bepaalde benadering tot taal en taling te verdedig deur verskillende toepaslike vakdissiplines te verken met die oog daarop om die kerklike praktyk van kommunikasie van die evangelie in ‘n hedendaagse konteks te begelei. Die ondersoek word prakties-teologies aangepak en beoog om die ruimtelik-evolusionêre verstaan van taal en taling as geldig te bewys.