10 mistakes people make when learning a foreign language

mistakes_in_learning_languages
 

10 mistakes people make when learning a foreign language

 

1. Fear of speaking

Problem: 
Breaking the language barrier which includes speaking in a foreign language may be the hardest thing to do. Or so most people think. They get hung up on the fact that native speakers can judge them and point out mistakes or even not understand them at all. 

Solution: 
To get over this fear try speaking in a controlled and safe environment. Try language exchange, where there is no room for judgement as everyone is learning. Use the internet to find a partner, with whom you can meet and talk to.

 

2. Not accepting mistakes

Problem: 
When people learn languages they think mistakes are unacceptable and they do anything to avoid them. They get hung up on their mistakes and focus on the fact that they made a mistake instead of learning from them.

Solution: 
Accept the mistake and learn from it. It’s actually easier to learn from making a mistake, it’s easier to remember. So embrace your mistakes and stay positive. Without mistakes there is no progress.

 

3. Focusing mainly on grammar

Problem: 
Focusing mainly on grammar is a common approach when learning languages. You get to a point when grammar starts to be very complicated and can get discouraged. 

Solution: 
Try to explore all aspects of a foreign language. This way learning will be fun and you will feel motivated to do it. Try learning online and using an app or listen to a podcast.

 

4. Learning vocabulary without a strategy

Problem: 
When you learn individual, unconnected words in bulk lists it’s hard to remember them. Your effort brings poor results and it may seem like you’ll never improve your vocabulary.

Solution:
Learn new words in groups concerning one topic, like travel, cooking or animals. This way you can relate the words to each other, find similarities and try to use the words together to form sentences. Learning will be much easier. Don’t waste time on words that you will not use, first build up on essential vocabulary.

 

5. Wrong attitude

Problem:
The wrong approach can ruin the whole learning process. If you force yourself to do it, you’ll end up trying anything to avoid learning or you will get poor results. 

Solution:
Remember why you started learning, what was your motivation behind it and that you are doing this for yourself. Even if you are studying a language for work, you are gaining an invaluable asset and can excel in your career.

 

6. Choosing a single method of learning

Problem:
A lot of people choose one method of learning and stick to it. But one method of learning can easily bore you and you can end up quitting. 

Solution:
Diversify your methods of learning. This can not only keep your interest and motivation, but also cover aspects of the language that a single method will not. Try language classes, grammar books, language exchange, podcasts, audiobooks, movies, music and novels. This wide range of choices guarantees you’ll find something for yourself.

 

7. Starting with all you got

Problem:
Deciding on learning a new language can be very exciting. So you buy a lot of books, sing up to the first class you find and plan to learn a couple hours a day every day. Then after a week you start to feel overwhelmed and give up. Does that sound familiar? 

Solution: 
Of course it’s natural to feel excited about this new activity, but don’t bite off more than you can chew. Plan to dedicate such an amount of time for learning that is possible. Start off with one good book and research a school before you pick it. Aim for quality not quantity and think of language learning as a long-term process.

 

8. Not listening enough

Problem:
Avoiding listening exercises is a big mistake. Practicing listening from the beginning can help you start speaking in a foreign language faster and get you accustomed to the pronunciation.

Solution: 
Start off with listening and reading a transcript simultaneously for reference. For some fun you can listen to music and read the lyrics. This will not only help you in your future conversations, but also help you with your pronunciation.

 

9. Learning once a week

Problem: 
If you learn a language in a language school you may have developed a habit of only preparing for the lesson and have no contact with the language at any other time during a week. 

Solution:
I know that learning everyday sounds like a hassle. But all you need is 10 minutes a day and an hour or two during a week to get you on the right path. Finding 10 minutes a day is easy and it will do the trick. Short time learning activities may include learning with an app, subscribing to a word of the day or listening to a podcast

 

10. Giving up easily

Problem:
You give up the moment things get hard? That is not a way to learn languages. The process of really learning a language is long and there will be many times of doubt and difficulty. Giving up is not the answer.

Solution:
Prepare for every circumstance. Plan days off from learning or even a week to let your brain rest. Have a learning strategy or plan including learning duration and frequency. Think of ways to keep yourself motivated and inspired to get you through hard times.

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