In this brief article, we explore some of the myths and realities of learning another language and explain how language learning actually works. We will also describe some strategies that can help language learners reach their goals and improve their learning outcomes.
Many people want to study a language other than their own but are often afraid to get started because they feel it’s too difficult or fear they might fail. They frequently point to frustrating experiences they had in school, spending years studying a language without gaining the ability to speak it fluently.
Myth 1: I will be terrible at learning another language
One commonly held myth is that people feel that they must be terrible at learning another language. In reality, the vast majority of people have become proficient speakers of their first language (the language they use in daily life), but it’s important to understand that it takes a child about 6 years to become a fully proficient speaker of their mother tongue. That’s a lot of hours spent immersed in the language! Similarly, it takes a lot of time to learn a second language. According to data from the Foreign Service Institute and the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL), it may take anywhere from 240 to more than 2500 hours, depending on the level of proficiency reached (from Novice to Superior), on the degree of difference between the learner’s language and the target language, and on the learner’s aptitude.
Dedicating that many hours to language learning may seem to be impossible but you need to find fun and effective ways of using the hours you have. So, what can you do to increase the number of hours you spend on language learning? In addition to attending formal classes, either in-person or virtually, there are many other ways to engage with the language you are trying to learn: you can use informal learning resources, such as online programs or mobile apps; take advantage of the many available online resources, such as podcasts, movies, and music; explore the target culture online (e.g. through maps, virtual museums, or written texts). It is also crucial to find opportunities to practice speaking the language, try to connect with speakers of the language online or in person or you could practice speaking using technology (an AI tutor or a mobile app, for example), which can be less intimidating when you’re first starting out.
To get a realistic sense of the hours you might spend, take a look at the “Second-language exposure meter” which provides a realistic perspective on the total amount of exposure that is needed to progress in another language, available on Steve Leveen’s website, America the Bilingual,. This website also has some great podcasts about language learning.
Myth 2: I am too old to learn another language
Another persistent myth about language learning is that people feel that they are too old to learn another language. Many people feel that it’s hopeless to try to learn another language as an adult because it’s impossible to succeed. While it’s certainly difficult to acquire nativelike pronunciation as an adult learner, it’s quite possible to gain advanced proficiency. Adults also tend to be better than children in some aspects of language learning: they already have a broad knowledge of the world that they can bring to their learning process; they are literate in their first language and can use their literacy skills in their second language; their knowledge of their first language (or other languages they speak) can help them acquire another language as they can identify broad patterns (for example, some languages have different genders) and find connections among words with similar meanings (cognates).
Success in second language acquisition, unlike first language acquisition, is highly variable, and many individual factors play a role in how successful learners are in acquiring another language. In addition to age, motivation, attitudes, and the learning context itself can influence the level of proficiency a person might attain. Motivation is an important element and is crucial for success, but, as research by Dornyei and others has shown, motivation is complex and dynamic. For example, learners with a strong instrumental motivation (such as getting a new job or a promotion) may find that their initial desire to learn the language is negatively affected by the realities and frustrations of the learning process: it might be difficult to balance language learning with work and family life; they might not like their classes or their teachers; their initial progress might be slow; the learning materials are not engaging. All of these factors can result in fluctuations in interest and motivation. So, what can you do to stay on target? First of all, it’s important to set realistic short- and long-term goals and to realize that all language learning will have its ups and downs. It can also be helpful to connect with others (fellow learners, teachers, friends and family) to create a strong support network.
Reality: You are a good language learner!
Although every person is different and everyone’s circumstances can vary considerably, there are some common traits and strategies that have been identified among successful language learners. Some examples, from early research on “The Good Language Learner” (e.g. Rubin, 1975) are: being a good guesser and dealing with ambiguity; having a strong willingness to communicate (getting the message across by whatever means, including using gestures, paraphrasing, etc.); being less inhibited and willing to make errors; looking for patterns; and practicing the language constantly (to learn new vocabulary, for example, you must practice each word in a meaningful context at least 8-10 times). In addition, more recent research on self-efficacy has pointed to persistence and self-confidence as important factors in language learning success. This might include, for example, using appropriate strategies to complete a task, to break down longer term goals into manageable steps, and to believe in your ability to succeed.
In sum, everyone’s language learning journey will be different and everyone will face some inevitable challenges along the way, but with time, dedication, and consistency it is possible to reach your goals! language learning actually works. We will also describe some strategies that can help language learners reach their goals and improve their learning outcomes.
