Why "unnecessary"? There sure seems to be a huge gap between what is understood as the "gift" from God and the nature of God in how He deals with humanity. Everything ALL people have from God is because of His grace. It is because of His grace and mercy that we are not destroyed at our first sinful act. It is of Jehovah's lovingkindnesses that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. (Lamentations 3:22)
In Titus 2:11-14, Paul says:
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.
But, we know that not all men will respond to this grace and receive the gift of eternal life. Unlike the Roman Catholic doctrine of "infused" grace, Scripture very clearly states that God GIVES to us eternal life, and this life is in His son, Jesus Christ. The righteousness necessary for eternal life in the all holy realm of God is not something humanly possible to achieve and MUST be "imputed" to us through faith. Faith is what is needed to receive the gift of everlasting life.
So, no, I do not agree that it is merely "semantics" brought about by our "dependence" on the English language. God is fully able to communicate the truth of the gospel to ANY person who seeks to know the truth regardless of language.
Amen.....