One of the most frequently cited reasons for learning a second language is simply to take on a new challenge. A quick check on Google tells me that 38% of UK citizens have taken on the challenge. That’s the number of people who claim to know a second language well enough to hold a conversation.
Imagine if you began learning a new language? A language you’ve always dreamt of speaking, but which you’ve never been able to persevere with? Imagine if you mastered it so quickly that after just a matter of months you were able to hold a conversation with a local speaker?
Imagine, also, that you had a supportive community by your side. People just like you who were learning a new language, and who were going through what you’re going through while giving you tips and support throughout?
And imagine you also got frequent feedback from people who were monitoring your progress while also allowing you to engage expert polyglots who have already mastered multiple languages? Ideal conditions to take on the challenge of learning a language!
It all sounds amazing right! Too good to be true, right? No, all those things are available on this web site, and many others like it.
But Why Would You Learn a Language?
You wouldn’t be reading this post at all if you didn’t have some level of interest in the challenge of learning a new language.
There’s a very strong chance that I’m already preaching to the converted. However, I’ve been learning languages for a number of years now, and something I’ve noticed is that people do lose motivation along the way. They start learning a new language, and then they stop. They find it hard to keep going.
Why is that? Well, one of the things that keeps me going whenever I hit a brick wall is the reminder of how rewarding it is. When you learn a new language, you might not be rewarded financially. But you’ll be rewarded in so many other ways: You’ll be rewarded socially, personally, emotionally, culturally, intellectually and even psychologically.
The article covers numerous reasons why an individual should learn a language.
Why Is It So Difficult To Learn a Language?
In the UK, our numbers are pretty low when it comes to how many of us are learning (and mastering) a second language. Just 9% of high school students achieve what’s known as the “independent user” rank when it comes to learning a new language. In France, the number is 14%, which puts them on par with Americans as a whole. Whichever way you look at it, it means that roughly 85% of English natives fail to learn a second language.
Now, we all have our reasons for deciding not to learn a new language. But when it comes to reasons for succeeding at mastering a second language, the experts all say the same things. It takes consistency, passion and motivation to stay the course. You also need to set specific goals that provide you with a challenge – especially if that challenge is to learn a language.
I can’t over-stress the importance of setting goals by the way. Goals lead to habits. They give you a target to aim at. They help you see into the future so that you know where you’re going and are able to stay on track.
But it’s also important that you work alongside others who can give you feedback. Feedback is key because if you don’t have the right support, it’s very easy to give up. It’s nice to know that someone has got our back. Someone who has been there before and can share their wisdom with us. Whenever we take a misstep or become discouraged, they can help us get back on track.
The Challenge Of The Year
Learning a new language requires dedication, patience and lots of effort. If you are serious about this, and if you want to make the leap from complete newbie to a polished learner who is able to speak freely with natives, I have something I want you to think seriously about
Right now, the choice is yours. You can spend your days sitting in your chair, wondering what could happen. Perhaps hoping that a new language sort-of just “comes” to you, as though magically from the sky. Or, you can take the reins yourself. You can grab control and develop a clear vision. Set concrete goals and harness community support from people just like you who are on the same path. And finally listen to those who have been there and done it.
If you are tempted to take on the challenge of learning a new language, why not tell us how you get on in the comments below?
