This paper presents a "natural" method of second language learning which stresses contact with native speakers and de-emphasizes textbook learning. The method described here is that used by Baptist missions in eastern Africa to teach Bemba, but is transferrable to any language. Some of the main principles of the method are: (1) language learning does not result from studying textbooks or listening to recordings; (2) language is best acquired by living among native speakers of the target language and employing educationally sound methods developed by linguists; (3) rudimentary linguistic skills can be used by the layman to facilitate his acquisition of a second language; such skills as articulatory phonetics, phonetic inscription, and linguistic analysis enable the serious student of a language to acquire it with near-native fluency in a relatively short period of time; (4) the concept of learning cycles must be understood and properly utilized to insure the student constant progress in acquiring a second language; and (5) language and culture acquisiton are inseparable. Appendices contain six sample Bemba lessons, information on choosing an informant, and information on recording procedures. (Author/AM)