Learning Foreign Languages, Common Mistakes

Learning foreign languages can be a delightful experience if you approach it with an open mind. But many misconceptions regarding language and language education can also make learning foreign languages difficult.

This article discusses the most common mistakes, students and teachers make while learning or teaching foreign languages.

1) Asking “Why?”

If you want to learn a foreign language, go with the flow. The experience of learning foreign languages is too often marred by students asking why a particular language should have a particular structure. You should accept the language the way it is, or else you may never be able to learn it.

2) Languages Are Different From Each Other

Every language has its own peculiarities. You must remember not to keep comparing the target foreign language to your native language. After all, your native language too has peculiarities that seem strange to foreigners. Accepting that languages are different from each other removes a sort of mental block you may have created to learning a target foreign language.

3) Trying To Rush

Rome was not built in a day. While your enthusiasm for learning foreign languages is understandable, rushing it will not help. Learning foreign languages requires patience and practice.

4) Going Just By The Course Book

Following the prescribed course book is good, but a heavy reliance on the book can also hamper the language learning process. Do not just read the course book but instead supplement it by reading other books and journals in the target language. A course book is just a guide to language learning, it should not be taken as Gospel truth.

5) Try To Learn Outside The Classroom Too

Many foreign language teachers do not promote learning foreign languages outside the classroom. This can hamper the learning of students. After you have finished with the lessons for the day in class, you need to go over them to get a better grasp of whatever you have learnt. Try to get more time with the language teacher so that he or she can clarify any doubts you have regarding what you learnt during class.

6) Don’t Give Up

Every student has a different style of learning foreign languages. Even if you think your classmates are getting ahead of you, you should not give up. Speak to your language teacher who may be able to help by giving extra lessons. Never compare yourself to your classmates.

Learning foreign languages is an experience that should not be missed. While learning foreign languages, avoid the mistakes mentioned in this article for a smooth learning experience.