Learning a foreign language is something that most of us associate with school and college; a process that some adapt to easily whilst others struggle to get to grips with. If you are in the latter group you may have considered taking up a language course at various points since you left full time education but somehow never got round to actually going through with it.
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Here are five questions you should ask yourself to find out what is holding you back from developing a useful skill which will ultimately benefit your life in numerous ways.
1) What scares me about learning a language?
It is difficult as an adult to admit that sometimes simple things can seem intimidating. Foreign language training can seem to be an imposing task but it isn't something that has an inherent fear factor like learning to skydive or racing high speed motorcycles might have.
As with many things in life, it is the fear of failure that haunts many who wish to enter various learning programmes. With a new language, there is no learning process that results in 'failure', there are only different degrees of progression. Ultimately, you will learn at your own pace and no matter how easy or difficult you find the task you will still acquire vital language skills by the end of your study.
2) What part of the learning process intimidates me most?
Perhaps it is the process of learning itself that holds fear for you, especially if it is some time since you have been involved in education. Unhappy memories of school or college years may also be an influencing factor.
However, there are many different ways to go about learning a language, from evening classes with others to private tuition and excellent audio-visual home learning courses. This means, no matter what your preferred method of study there is an option to suit you.
3) Do I have a problem with committing to new things?
Sometimes it is nothing to do with the actual process of learning or anything to do with the subject of a new language that frightens us. Often the problem lies with a defence mechanism that kicks in when we contemplate undertaking something that will see us move outside our comfort zone. This is doubly counterproductive, as moving forward is an essential part of keeping your brain active and healthy long into old age.
4) What long term benefits could learning a new language have?
To counteract the fears you have about learning a new language it is important for you to consider the benefits such an act could have.
The confidence to engage in conversation with different people in their native tongue is something that carries across to other areas of your life. Whether it encourages travel or career advancements, learning a new language can open numerous doors to you throughout your life.
5) How could my new language improve things?
As well as giving you a potential thirst for visiting new places and engaging with new people, learning a language often brings out deeper passions for cultural and historical learning. It can also have advantages in an increasingly difficult employment market, where business English skills may not be enough to distinguish you from other candidates.
About The Author
Amie is a passionate foreign languages teacher, writing for sites like Linguarama and specialises in teaching Business English Courses, to foreign students around the world.
