This volume brings together for the first time a collection of studies devoted to missionary language learning and retention. Introductory papers provide historical perspectives on this population and on language teaching philosophy and practice in the LDS tradition. The empirical studies which follow are divided into two sections, the first examining mission language acquisition by English-speaking missionaries abroad, the second focusing on post-mission language attrition. These papers by internationally known scholars offer research using a number of different target languages in addressing various issues in second language development. Finally, a comprehensive bibliography of sources on mission languages is included. In addition, the book offers useful insights to adults who want to maintain a second language.