I feel that there are many language learning myths that really aren’t true especially as it pertains to adult language learning and what can be possible in this area. In this blog post I will break down a few language learning myths and reasons why they are simply not true. Hope you guys enjoy!
Myth #1: Adults cannot learn languages well.
There have been many adult learners of languages that can testify that this myth isn’t true. I think the main difference though between children learning languages and adult learning languages is that children have all the time in the world to learn language especially as a toddler was adults struggle to find time to learn languages and as s`uch this myth does exist.
However, it is the case that toddlers and little children can acquire a natural accent to the language a lot easier than adults. As such their pronunciation can be better than adults.
Also, as adults we tend to just focus on classroom-based exercises to learn language. In fact, we can learn lessons from children and the way they learn languages. This means being immersed in the language is important as well such as making friends speak the language, watching TV in the language, listen to podcasts in the language and keeping a diary language for example.
Myth #2: To communicate effectively with native speakers, I need to have a native sounding accent or pronunciation needs to be perfect:
Truth be told, everyone has accent speaking in a language including in their native language and languages that they are learning. Having an accent in a new language especially a foreign accent can help because it shows you’ve learnt a language and you’re wanting to learn more and that your eager to learn more about the language or culture.
There is a clear difference between accent and pronunciation. I believe pronunciation is far more important than accents in terms of communicating with others. As I believe pronunciation directly correlates with your ability to communicate with others in a language, but accent is more the flavour of what your language sounds like when you speak.
Myth #3: I’m not talented at learning languages or I don’t have the language learning gene:
Some people assume that people that speak multiple languages well or have learnt multiple languages well as an adult must have a language learning gene or talent to learn languages. However, this is not the case especially given the fact that everyone adults and children are able to learn languages well.
This language learning myth perpetuates because of people learning languages at school yet after a few years later after leaving school they are unable to say a word or even put a sentence together in a language when speaking a language. This is because when we learn the language in a local school as children, we are there to pass an exam rather than to be able to speak the language well.
I do think however classroom instruction has its place, but I think the self-study is the best option for language learners. This is because classroom lessons are just once a week but when you self-study every day you have constant exposure to the language so you’re able to make better connections to the different grammar rules and vocabulary in your head, overall putting your learning into your own hands is the best way forward whether you self-study or take classroom instruction.
Overall people may be better or worse at picking up languages to the people I do not think there is a language learning gene or talent as people may say or think.
Myth #4: Everyone speaks English, so there’s no need to learn another language:
Yes, this is right to some degree however this only accounts for ¼ of the world’s population, and this means three quarters of the world’s population don’t speak much English at all. So, to communicate with them we need to speak a different language to them rather than English.
Also, by learning their language you will be seen in different light as someone that is willing to go up and beyond to learn another language and culture gaining respect by the local people.
Language learning can be fun and rewarding so this can be a reason why to learn another language.
Myth #5: language learning is unnecessary with modern translation technologies:
Modern technology including technologies to translate other languages into your native language has progressed and become quite advanced in the recent years, but does this make language learning obsolete? I believe it doesn’t because although you will be able to translate between different languages, cross cultural differences means that it can cause a lot of problems.
While not making learning languages redundant I believe this keep it points out the keys in culture and language difference and encourages people to be aware of the differences between the languages.
Also, nothing beats talking the language in real time with someone because you know that language well and you can communicate in the language.
Conclusion:
Overall, there are many language learning myths out there and some flat-out are untrue or at least shouldn’t be true. What you think? Let me know in the comments below.
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