Language Learning Progress Got You Down?

Most people who confide in me about languages (and I encourage those confidences!) would truly like to learn a foreign language.  But the success rate of those of us who do learn another language, at least to the level of using the new language in daily life, is not impressive.  What happens to our hopes and dreams of ordering a meal in Mérida, Mexico without the waiter switching to English? Why can't we speak French with an acceptable accent to chat with a passenger on the Canadian Via Rail train? Couldn't we at least understand a short Irish Gaelic conversation in a pub in Galway?

Here are three bits of advice for language learners from a fellow language learner.

Bit of Advice 1  Maybe we have been approaching language learning from the wrong angle. If you are reading this blog, you probably have taken a formal language course at least once in your life. Can you conjure up the class activities you participated in?  Do you see lists of vocabulary words, grammar explanations, and exercises?  I certainly can.  And if the truth be known, because I am a certified language nut, those elements of a traditional language class still interest me. I like to analyze how languages are constructed.  But does the activities help me achieve fluency to communicate in a foreign language in everyday life?  Not so much.  So if you want to learn about a language, take a traditional language course.  If you want to learn to use a language, continue reading this post.

Bit of Advice 2  Make language learning into play, not work.  We adults have plenty of work already in our lives.  Find an enjoyable language learning activity, and most importantly, play with language a little bit every day, without fail. 

My favorite language play is on Duolingo, a free online program, also available on mobile devices. I do a little Duolingo every day just as regularly as I remember to feed the cat.

duolingo.com

Your enjoyable language activity may be chatting with a friend, by text or in person, watching a movie or TV program, listening to the radio, writing haiku, or reading about a favorite topic.  I've seen ads recently about practicing languages using snapchat which bears further investigation.  The most important point is to choose something you like to do and train yourself to do it every day. Don't procrastinate by saying you'll get back to Irish, Welsh, or Mandarin when you have mastered more vocabulary and grammar. (Have I been down this road?  Yes!)

Bit of Advice 3  Consider giving up the idea that because you are an intelligent adult that you won't make errors in a new language. Making errors is a prerequisite to learning to use a new language.  I know what you are saying. "Maybe other people make errors.  Not me!" "I want to use correct vocabulary and grammar like I do in my native language." "How can I learn to speak correctly if I keep saying things wrong?" Mistakes are learning experiences.  They may not give our egos a boost, but they will do wonders for advancing language fluency.

I wish all fellow language learners well.  And I would enjoy hearing about your progress in foreign language learning!