Over the years, I have learned many lessons about language learning. Some things have worked really well, such as deciding not to have formal Dutch lessons and reading the newspaper instead or challenging myself to take Marketing lessons in Spanish -not in English- in an Argentinian university.
Other things have not worked out so well.
For example, after I had been taught French all through High School and university for more than 10 years(!), I was unable to have a conversation in French. When I started learning Portuguese, I found this cool new app called Duolingo. It was fun, I was motivated to practice every day, and I learned many words. 4 years later, I wasn’t able to speak Portuguese, because I relied on this one tool that only ever taught me to translate generic words and phrases (for 4 years!).
So, yes, you can make mistakes. But if you are reading this, chances are you are willing to be a better and faster language learner. Your willingness to learn languages faster will help you get ahead, so don’t give up yet.
1) Relying on someone else to teach you a language
I know. The traditional education system wants you to believe that you need the teacher to learn anything. They make you believe it’s your fault for not learning well enough in classes, but that’s not true.
As learners, we have to understand that (language) learning is not a passive activity. It is a skill you have to train yourself.
Sure, teachers, trainers, and courses can be of great help. They can also be a great source of motivation. As a language teacher, I see how I can help students learn a language better. Indeed, having a teacher to support and guide you is very valuable.
But you should never rely on them. You should see them as an additional resource. You yourself need to be in charge of your learning. Go ahead and take a Mandarin class every week, but review your flash cards, read books, and listen to Podcasts by yourself every day.
2) Avoiding reading and listening to authentic materials
I get it. It’s hard to sit through a 2-hour movie in a foreign language. You might not understand anything.
Speaking a language is by far not the only skill you have to train. This is probably the single biggest mistake we tend to make when learning a new language. Saying “No, I won’t go to the movies because they only show the movie without subtitles and I won’t understand it anyway” won’t get you anywhere.
Don’t avoid reading and listening material because you will not understand it. How do you know beforehand?
You can understand the gist even if you only understand a few words. You have to challenge yourself.
Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself because that is the only way you can make progress. Don’t get discouraged. You might only understand 1 word or none at all. So, what?! That’s a great accomplishment. And next time you might understand 2 words.
3) Not using materials you are interested in
Language learning should be enjoyable. Sometimes, we are so obsessed with becoming fluent, we lose sight of the reason why we actually started learning the language in the first place.
When you find yourself learning generic vocabulary and reading articles just to practice the language, please go back and ask yourself about the purpose. Why were you interested in the language?
Are you learning Vietnamese to travel to Vietnam? If you are learning Italian, is it because you want to learn more about art history?
Combine your interests with a language.
Sure, you can also learn a language just out of curiosity. But even then, we shouldn’t forget that languages are keys. Language skills give you access to knowledge and experiences.
There might not be one single reason, but it will be so much more motivating and interesting to learn a language if you know your purpose.
4) Staying with beginners materials for too long
Often, we don’t make as much progress as we want because we don’t challenge ourselves enough. We are either uncomfortable with using more advanced material or we just don’t know what the right time is to move to more challenging content.
In order to become fluent, you have to consume real texts, audios, videos, etc. that are not easy. You have to leave your comfort zone to make progress.
In his brilliant book Fluent Forever, Gabriel Wyner suggests not translating words into your native language. You really sink into the material.
Reading and listening advanced material you don’t understand is essential to get familiar with the language and to learn new words. I know it is scary and tiring. But it is necessary. After all, that is probably why you want to learn the language in the first place, right?
5) Thinking that there is ONE right way to learn a language
Everyone is different. There might be tips, academic studies, and best practices, but you can’t apply the same rules to everyone.
Take time to get to know yourself, your preferences and your needs. What do you enjoy reading or listening to? What are you interested in? How do you best memorize new words and concepts? Why are you learning the language?
Never compare yourself to other learners. You are unique and that is great. Learn to make the best of it! Find out what works and what doesn’t. Respect that.
After all, language learning should be enjoyable.
I have taught and talked to many learners who are learning languages ranging from Turkish to Esperanto. Making mistakes is part of the process. What’s important is that you learn your lesson to move on and learn languages faster and more effectively.
Happy learning!