In today's article, I would like to talk about some myths related to language learning. Throughout my years of experience as a teacher, I have come across on different occasions with some preconceived ideas that delay student learning and which I will try to dismantle below:
1. To learn a language, you need to live in a country where that language is spoken
This idea might even have some truth before the arrival of the internet and new technologies. However, currently, we only need a device connected to the internet to be able to access infinite ways to immerse ourselves in a foreign language. In addition to watching movies, listening to music or podcasts or watching videos, we can also adopt simple gestures such as configuring our social networks and email accounts for the language we want to learn, or changing them in the smartphone or computer menu. Or, for example, if we like to play games online, we can try to do it with native players and learn to chat while we play. It's all about putting your mind in "want to learn" mode and ideas will start flowing naturally.
2. To learn a language it is necessary to have a “natural talent”
False. Many people simply speak a language because of their life circumstances. It is not necessary to be a genius or have a “gift”; you have to be motivated or just have a need to survive.
It's true that there are people who may have a natural ability for languages, just as some people have an easier time with sports or music, but that doesn't make them gifted, nor does it mean that other people can't. In the same way, all people can learn languages: some take longer and some take less time, but language is a natural human ability. It's a matter of practice, like driving, cooking and so many other daily activities. The more we do it, the easier it gets. In fact, it has been proven that learning a new language makes learning the next language easier.
3. One can learn a language quickly and effortlessly
Some students get frustrated when they start to learn a language, because they think that signing up for a language course is enough. When they have already taken some classes, they feel disappointed because they cannot see their progress. But the truth is that to learn a language, in addition to method and content, there are two basic ingredients, in addition to practice: motivation and repetition.
On the one hand, motivation itself is a big help, because if something really interests us, it's easier to retain and assimilate the information. And on the other hand, when we're really motivated, we don't find it boring to repeat something over and over again, because we like it.
To master a language it is necessary to repeat and correct it many times, it is not enough to listen to and read what we do in class, for example. What makes the difference is repeating and applying what we learn every time we have the opportunity to practice. That said: practice, practice and practice more!
What do you think of these myths? Do you remember others? Share your opinion in the comments.