5 “difficulties” of learning a foreign language & how to overcome them

If English is your native language, French and Spanish will be a breeze, though learning the likes of Chinese, Japanese, and Arabic would seem extra daunting because the these language pairs are so inherently different. We agree that disparate languages would take more effort to learn, but rather than growing frustrated at difficulties in comprehending or translating meanings into your native language, embrace these fundamental differences instead.

For example, some languages are written left to right, or even vertically. Look into the other language’s historical, cultural, and linguistic roots to understand why they are a certain way. It’s only understandable that we’re used to viewing the world through the lens of our own language.

Embracing linguistic differences will not only help us overcome mental blocks to comprehension and appreciation, but also make us more open-minded, tolerant, and insightful about the colourful world around us.

Fair enough—we all juggle several aspects of our daily lives, and a packed schedule is a valid concern that plagues people in modern society. This is when we need to reaffirm our reasons for learning a language and articulate to ourselves just why it’s so important to us. Again, this is something that only adults are capable of doing well. When you’re intrinsically motivated, you’ll automatically manage to make time for projects such as language learning without anyone telling you to do so.

Besides, don’t pressure yourself into feeling like you have to spend hours at a time studying. It’s far better to spend short ten-minute sessions every day than to do five hours on a single weekend, because consistency will build up your memory muscles.

To flex those muscles, you could also try thinking or speaking to yourself in the language you’re studying anytime during the day, or listen to something in the language during your regular commute. Consistency in exposure is the key!

Speaking a language is essential to learning it, though we’re often too embarrassed to do so because we lack fluency, or perhaps because we may have an accent. But it’s important to realise that you are your own worst critic—native speakers are often delighted that others are learning their language, and will be more than happy to assist you with practising it!

And really, what’s the worst that can happen? You might mess up some syntax or pronunciation, but will also learn from the process. Of course you’re not going to be perfect at the language; that’s why you’re learning! Don’t forget that you’re already an expert at your native tongue, too.

Still, we understand it can be hard to stop feeling self-conscious, regardless of evidence that suggests otherwise. This is why many people prefer to take group language classes so they can practice speaking with peers on the same level of their journey, or one-on-one with a teacher without fear of judgement.

It can take years to master a language, a timeline that can be intimidating, especially to those who shudder at the idea of commitment. That’s when you have to be firm about your motivation for starting the language in the first place, and be clear on why you want to learn this skill.

If you aren’t sure about your original intentions anymore, find new ones—there are plenty of reasons to be learning a new language! Don’t burn yourself out by studying too much in one go, but instead build up language learning to become a daily habit, a little at a time.

It also helps if you shell out some money for a language class. It’s the same theory as when you sign up for a fitness package at the gym, and are motivated to go because you’ve already forked out the money and don’t want it to go to waste. Joining a class will not only help you stay committed to learning so as not to waste the money, but you’ll also have peers and a teacher to encourage you and hold you accountable in your journey.