Language learning can be incredibly difficult. The frustration of acquiring a new language can often feel overwhelming, leading us to exclaim, “We can’t discuss this issue enough times!” It’s a sentiment shared by many, with thoughts like, “This isn’t for me; I give up!” or “I’m too old for this. It’s embarrassing that I can’t remember what my teacher said after ten repetitions! All my coworkers are learning so much faster than me. I wish I had started this 20, 30, 40 years ago!”
Language Learning Challenges
Indeed, learning a language is undeniably challenging and time-consuming. It’s an experience that spans across ages – from people in their 20s to those in their 70s! Age is not a barrier; we have successful students in their 70s who are mastering new languages.
The difficulty lies in putting ourselves out there, making mistakes in front of others, or going completely blank on something that has been repeated 30 times. It happens, and it’s tough.
If you’re accustomed to being considered intelligent and mentally quick, you might wonder why language learning isn’t coming easily to you. Here’s the reality check: it can happen to the smartest people. Even those learning for work or better opportunities sometimes feel like giving up.
A Refreshed Perspective
However, if quitting isn’t the answer for you, keep this in mind. False expectations, often fueled by misleading advertisements promising fluency in two weeks or urging you to “Learn French like kids do,” contribute to the primary reason people abandon language learning.
Consider this: It takes at least 5 to 6 years for a child to master their native language – understanding the correct words, verb tenses, and even then, they cannot read! Learning like a child is not the key unless you are one. You’ll find yourself speaking, reading, and writing well before a 5-year-old can do it in their own language if you approach it with patience and commitment.
So, banish those unrealistic expectations, be patient with yourself, and success in language learning will follow.
Language Learning Success
A couple of crucial points to remember:
- Stop worrying about what others think of your slow progress. Everyone experiences this at some point.
- You will make mistakes, and that’s okay.
- You might have to change the settings, for example, going form a group class to a private one.
- You can be highly intelligent and successful, and still find language learning very challenging.
I recall a time when I was teaching Spanish to a very successful business owner. He had built his business from the ground up, but in class, he struggled with certain verbs. Suddenly, he handed me a blank page with a math problem written on it and nervously said, “Can you do this? Come on, do it.” Confused, I asked him what he wanted me to do. He replied, “Well, that’s super easy for me, see? I’m smart outside of this class.” This is a true story, and the student continued his classes for a long time, only after letting me know that he was intelligent outside of class as well.
And remember, the journey of language learning is just as much about perseverance and self-belief as it is about mastering grammar and vocabulary. Keep going, and you’ll surprise yourself with how far you can go.
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