Think of it as learning a foreign language, Tibetan for example.

Upon finishing the best grammar and exercise book available, it is quite unlikely that you would be able to speak a word. Even to understand actual texts. What you need then, is to dive into the real word.

Listening carefully to what others say or write, taking note of their accent and style. Starting slowly to make your own sentences, building up your own idiom. In a first step, imitation is of great help.

Don't be afraid of mistakes, to the contrary, they will help you in gaining better fluency. Don't be ashamed of counting on fellow monks to correct you. No doubt indeed that your first confident will be your perl compiler (assuming you turned strict and warnings pragmas).

Languages do have varieties and levels (idioms and modules in the case of Perl). Choose those who fits your personality and goals, then learn them step by step. You'll be surprised at how soon you'll be able to express yourself. And don't worry, you'll write poetry or what ever religious treaties in due time.

If your main plan is to administrate a monastery, just give yourself basic tasks and try to achieve them. Post your attempts. People will help you.

Welcome to Perlistan. Regards.