"...man that's so cool, I wish I could learn a language but I'm so bad at them"
Alright, here we go! Over the past three years, I've been learning Japanese, and prior to that, I devoted a considerable amount of time to learning English to a native level. While I'm not an academic expert on language learning, I certainly have numerous thoughts on the matter and how it's discussed on the internet, especially on platforms like Reddit and YouTube.
After people find out that I've learned to speak Japanese, the very first thing they often say is that they also wish they could speak more than one language. Strangely enough, it seems that all of these individuals share one common misfortune: they are all terrible at languages.
Of course this isn't true, and I'd like to share my thoughts on why.
Being set up to fail in school
During our school years, many of us are assigned the task of learning a second or third language. Typically, it involves two classes a week, where we're taught mundane things like counting to one hundred, colors, and how to say proper words for distant relatives, along with asking for directions to the library. However, this information is often quickly forgotten after being memorized for tests. This cycle continues for three years, leaving us with the ability to inquire about our cousin's whereabouts at the vermillion library. But how can this be? We've studied for three years!
The common assumption is that we must be bad at languages, but that's far from the truth. We are all capable of learning languages, in fact I can promise you that you already speak one quite well. Let's do some quick math on my previous example: 2 hours a week over three years would total 312 hours, and that's being lenient, not even accounting for holidays and breaks. Research on language learning suggests that around 500-600 hours are needed to reach basic fluency in a language close to your native one. So we're only a little over halfway there. Additionally, we may be forced to learn a language we have no interest in, and study or read things that don't intrigue us. This combination is hardly conducive to efficient learning. But instead we draw the conclusion that we must just be bad at languages.
Learning boring things
My girlfriend's experience with learning Swedish was quite interesting. She took all the right steps, buying textbooks from Amazon, setting aside time each week to study diligently. However, her initial task was to translate a letter about the fastest way to reach a telecommunication conference by bus, train, or car... Not the most exciting material, to say the least.
In contrast, my study material at the time was a delightful comic book about a polar bear running a cafe with a panda and a penguin (しろくまカフェ). Needless to say, my girlfriend didn't find her material as captivating and, understandably, the textbook quickly collected dust. It seems like textbooks have a peculiar fascination with teaching us extremely mundane things, which naturally makes it challenging to stay engaged. Learning should be enjoyable, especially if it's a hobby. So, I suggest picking up fun comics, books, or finding a TV show on Netflix that sparks your interest and going from there. Enjoy the process!
Being told you have to do it a certain way
Reddit and YouTube, I'm looking at you. While the internet is an incredible resource for language learning (in fact, the best in my opinion), it's easy to stumble upon some rather cult-like communities dictating how one should learn a language. These are not those ridiculous books promising fluency in 30 days. Instead, they are groups of people who assert that they know the absolute best way, and only those who follow this method can achieve the ultimate level of native-like fluency. This approach does two things. Firstly, it unnecessarily creates an elitist atmosphere around language learning. Secondly, it leaves people who don't connect with the method feeling inadequate, as if they won't be able to succeed. In some cases, they're even labeled as unintelligent.
In truth, the best method for language learning is the one that works for you, the one you enjoy, and the one that keeps you engaged, bringing you back every single day. The key is consistency, and if you practice every day, rest assured, you're making progress. Remember, language learning is a personal journey, and there's no one-size-fits-all approach. So, find what works for you.
Conclusion
So, what's the key to successful language learning? In my view, it's simple. Start by discovering why you want to learn the language you've chosen. Set a goal that resonates with you and use materials that genuinely interest you. Then, every day, take a few steps forward while staying engaged with the language, as consistent practice is the path to improvement. It is incredibly difficult to get worse at something you're consistently practicing. Embrace your language journey, stay motivated, and be kind to yourself!
You are not bad at languages.
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