Escape With English

Learning a language is challenging. It poses difficulties for both adults and children despite initial appearances. Let’s explore the language journey across different stages of development:

Infants: During their first 12 months, infants are subjected to and engage in cooing, babbling, and simple word usage including “No,” “Yes,” “Mama,” “Dada,” “Hello,” and “Bye-bye.” These early sounds serve to orient them to speech and establish connections between actions and words.

Toddlers: Over the ensuing 2 years, toddlers encounter increasingly complex words, phrases, and sentences. Nearly all their language exposure relates to survival or pure excitement, making it exceptionally meaningful. The brain’s rapid growth during this period—reaching 80% of its total size by age 2—makes it an impressive phase for language exposure.

Preschool: At this stage, learning becomes more socially driven. Preschoolers participate in language activities for 2 to 3 hours in half-day programs or 4 to 6 hours in full-day programs. They begin to make friends and understand and express themselves naturally and unconsciously.

Early School-Aged Children: By ages 5 to 7, children achieve fluency. However, they continue to significantly expand their vocabulary, grasp grammar intricacies, and refine their language skills for years.

Effectively, children are born into intensive language programs that last for years and years and years. So, why is it that adults, in the context of limited exposure, competing priorities, ingrained habits, and reduced synaptic connections in the brain, get discouraged if they cannot learn a language in 90 days, 6 months, 1 year, or even 3 years? In support of your adult language learning journey, keep the following in context:

Rational Perspective: The language acquisition process is extensive.

Realistic Duration: It takes a long time to become fluent.

Trials and Tribulations: Challenges are unavoidable.

Truth be told, the average adult learner must be willing to commit inordinate time to the goal of language acquisition in the same way a child does. The main difference is that adults are cognizant of the entire process whereas a child is oblivious of the sustained effort since a child’s life seamlessly integrates the learning process. Given that language acquisition can be a slog for most adults, below is some encouragement pertaining to setting realistic expectations, staying motivated, and maintaining a positive mindset.

Be Realistic

Language companies, in their pursuit of attracting customers, often present an enticing narrative: “Learn a language quickly and effortlessly!” While this promise appeals to our desire for instant gratification, it can indeed create unrealistic expectations. Unfortunately, unrealistic expectations can be mistaken for personal inadequacy and give rise to disappointment, discouragement, and despair regarding personal progress. However, when expectations are set realistically it is easier to stay motivated when enthusiasm wanes, to endure plateaus when progress stalls, and to avoid making comparisons with others. Do not fall for marketing tactics, choose reputable methods and programs, and rely on multiple resources. Also, it is important to personalize your learning plan with a flexible timeline because most individuals cannot accurately estimate how long the entire journey will take.

Rekindle Meaning and Purpose Regularly

Undoubtedly, you embarked on the journey of learning a foreign language with a clear purpose in mind. Perhaps your motivation stems from a desire to live abroad, enhance your job prospects, or sharpen your cognitive abilities. These reasons can be as intricate and diverse as each individual’s unique story. Regardless of your personal motivations, it is crucial to regularly revisit them for inspiration and renewed motivation.

Immerse yourself in the language: research, read, and watch movies to invigorate your mind and ignite your passion. Occasionally pursue these activities as a reveler rather than a student. In other words, watch Italian cinema for your love of Italian cinema, for example. Remember that choosing a language isn’t merely a practical decision; it’s also about enriching your identity and broadening your horizons. While language acquisition often serves as a means to an end—such as achieving fluency for work or travel—it’s essential to recognize that the process itself is a valuable destination. Embrace the journey, celebrate progress, and savor the richness of linguistic exploration.

Throw Caution to the Wind

Maintain a positive mindset and approach language learning with the curiosity of a child. Children absorb language effortlessly, progressing toward milestones on their language journey without suffering. Their success stems from an absence of obsessive and negative thoughts, a lack of demoralizing and demotivating obstacles, and freedom from self-doubt. While some children may be more sensitive or timid, they explore language uninhibitedly.

Like children, take chances. Recognize that 24/7 immersion for 18 years is not feasible, so seize every opportunity to utilize your target language.