Four reasons why we fail at language learning

Four reasons why we fail Four reasons why we fail at language learningat language learning

Adapted from an article first published on www.onlinefrenchcourse.info – the online source for articles on language learning and reviews of online French courses.

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IntroductionIntroduction

Most English-speaking foreign Most English-speaking foreign language learners never achieve language learners never achieve more than a basic level of abilitymore than a basic level of ability

Most native English speakers have Most native English speakers have next to no ability in foreign next to no ability in foreign languageslanguages

Even when they WANT to learn, they Even when they WANT to learn, they rarely succeed. WHY?rarely succeed. WHY?




1. No real motivation to learn the 1. No real motivation to learn the languagelanguage

No deep-down commitmentNo deep-down commitment We haven’t felt a true need to learnWe haven’t felt a true need to learn Falls by the wayside like our New Falls by the wayside like our New

Year’s Resolutions!Year’s Resolutions! When the going gets tough, we start When the going gets tough, we start

making excusesmaking excuses




2. We don’t know where to start 2. We don’t know where to start learning a languagelearning a language

Good intentions, but lack of Good intentions, but lack of informationinformation

Not knowing which language-Not knowing which language-learning approach to take (books, learning approach to take (books, classes, online?)classes, online?)

Too much choice - confusionToo much choice - confusion




3. Lack of continuity and/or practice 3. Lack of continuity and/or practice in language learningin language learning

Language learning should be ongoingLanguage learning should be ongoing Language learning should be ACTIVELanguage learning should be ACTIVE It cannot be picked up once a monthIt cannot be picked up once a month We lose motivation quickly as results We lose motivation quickly as results

are non-existentare non-existent




4. A seeming lack of progress4. A seeming lack of progress

Learning a language is not quick and Learning a language is not quick and easy (don’t believe the hype!)easy (don’t believe the hype!)

There is a steep learning curveThere is a steep learning curve We need to be able to look back and We need to be able to look back and

appreciate the progress we have appreciate the progress we have made.made.

It can take months and years, but It can take months and years, but the “curve” DOES level out!the “curve” DOES level out!




ConclusionConclusion

Language learners need to be Language learners need to be presented with the right information presented with the right information before they start. Only armed with before they start. Only armed with the right expectations are they likely the right expectations are they likely to succeed.to succeed.




Education

Four reasons why we fail at language learning