Greg Chewning
“The opinions expressed by the Tabor College EML student bloggers and those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not reflect the opinions of Tabor College. Tabor College is also not responsible for the accuracy of any of the information in the post.”
It’s easy to hate learning a language.
That’s right. It’s also easy to hate learning calculus and organic chemistry, mostly because others have said it’s too hard.
Granted there’s a lot to say about difficult things making a lasting impact, but there’s also plenty to say about enjoying learning, especially languages. Now those are two words you normally don’t see together, “enjoying learning”! It’s true though.
You can enjoy the process of learning a language!
I know because I have been in the process of learning Spanish for six months now, and I have enjoyed the process. How is this possible?
We need to dis-spell the myth that we have to follow certain language learning rules. I know this sounds like common-sense, but it’s often overlooked. One of the greatest “Aha!” moments for me learning Spanish was when one polyglot by the name of Steve Kaufman mentioned (and I’m paraphrasing): “You don’t have to learn a language in ways that you hate! Simply study the things you want to study, in the way you want to study them, so you can enjoy the process!” What a relief! Take his word for it. Study what interests you, in the way you want to study. Think outside the box and don’t limit yourself to how learning languages has been done in the past.
For example, I think it’s a great idea to start speaking early on in the language learning process because it helps you establish phrases and structures in your mind.
BUT…
Some people are absolutely terrified of speaking early on and looking like a fool. If you’re one of those people, you need to know THAT’S OK! Who says you have to do what I tell you? Remember Steve’s advice: You don’t have to do what everyone else does. Try doing what works for you. If speaking is too intimidating for you right now, focus on studying lots of sentence structures and vocabulary. Spend time working on pronunciation. Do whatever makes your learning process enjoyable, and you’ll find yourself putting more time into the process and enhancing your learning experience.
So what are you waiting for? Tell yourself you don’t have to be constrained to intimidating learning styles. Do what works for you. Enjoy the process, and learn that language you’ve always desired!
Click here and go to about 5:20 to hear Steve Kaufman on subjective language learning