The Beginner Mistake common to every language
The mistake
When we start with a new language and we decide to take it easy at first we are taking the biggest risk in language learning: boredom.
What taking it easy really means
I've been there. "I'm going to give French another chance. Maybe 1 hour lesson a week and, please oh please, no homework at all." But: Who finds spending weeks learning the alphabet, the numbers and simple boring-to-death dialogues truly fun?
I will get serious about it
"After some months I will start taking it more seriously: making language exchanges, hearing the news, reading magazines, and maybe more lessons a week. It will be fun then." Only it wont, because we don't have enough level to have a minimal interesting conversation or to follow a show on TV and we spend more time on the dictionary than on the magazine when trying to figure out an article.
Having fun
Our common goal when starting with a new language is to be able to communicate in that language. The real fun only starts when we get to that point where we are able to interact and understand without frustration.
Third time's a charm
The third time I tried to learn French I suceded. I took it seriously for the first 4 months (studying 30 to 60 minutes everyday) and then relaxed about the studying (only twice a week) and started having some serious fun (actually practicing French everyday: watching series, reading an adapted novel and speaking French with my francophone friends). In about 6 months I had an intermediate level (B1.2) that I am now slowly taking to the next level (B2) where I will stay.
Turn the process upside down
My advice as a successful student and a motivated teacher is to take it seriously at first and take it easy once you have reached a level where you enjoy yourself without frustration and too much effort. How does it sound to you?
July 17, 2018
