⭐ 2023 & Q4 Review & Reflection
Wrapping up the year with a reflection of the last 4 months and the year as a whole
The year has come to an end and it’s time to reflect!
Below, you’ll find detailed summaries of the past three months (quarter 4).
All 2023 monthly study logs | All 2023 weekly study logs
📊 Time Tracking Insights
I find immense value in tracking and analyzing the data related to my language learning activities throughout the year. Even though I track my time every day, I tend to fully absorb and understand the details of my activities during my weekly, monthly, or quarterly recaps. Looking back to gauge my progress is my preferred approach, and tracking is the key that helps unlock these insights.
As of late December I have spent over 670 hours with my target languages. 365 of those hours were focused on French and 154 with Mandarin.
At the beginning of the year, I enjoyed managing five different languages and having more free time to spend on each. However, as the year progressed and I started a new job, my free time decreased. I decided to focus solely on French because it was going to be a necessary part of my professional life.
It's interesting to see that even though my tracked time with French started off low, I had certain months where I did more. In the end it averaged out at about an hour a day for French. I'd like to see what would change if I dedicated more of my time to French.
Consistency is important but I think having a variety of intense and relaxed day, weeks or months encourages you to remain consistent. If I had told myself at the start of 2023 that I had to study French every day for at least an hour, I would've quickly given up.
Its fun to visualize data in different ways. As my French study time increased, my study time for all my other target languages decreased.
Here’s what my language pixel grid for 2023 looks like:
Looking at the language I devoted the most time to each month, it was almost an even split between Mandarin in the early months and French for the rest of the year.
💭 Reflection Questions
created a list of year-end language learning reflection prompts. I’ll be using a few of them to guide my reflection.How have I tracked my progress throughout the year?
I saw the most significant progress in French as it was my primary focus. The resources I used primarily tested my listening comprehension through level tests.
The most common method people use is by taking official or unofficial language tests. In terms of unofficial tests, I did my first level test on TV5Monde on the 20th of January and scored A2 and tested into Beginner 3 for the Mauril app1. Later, in August, I did the same TV5Monde test and achieved level B12. I took the test one final time this month and scored the highest level, B2!
I have also increased my skills in reading, writing and speaking as well. Learning a language I’m using every day has shown me that you do have to practice what you want to improve.
What challenges have I encountered in my language learning journey?
At the beginning of the year, I had more free time since I wasn’t working full-time. During this period, I managed multiple languages and was content with the amount of time I dedicated to each. However, as French took focus and I transitioned to a full-time job, my attention shifted entirely. The other languages slowly got pushed aside, leaving hardly any space for anything except French in my schedule.
I aim to prioritize relaxation in the coming year. It's okay if I don't spend every free moment on language learning. I want to enjoy exploring any language I'm interested in without feeling pressured by time constraints.
⭐ Small Wins in 2023
Starting this newsletter. I’ve shared my language-learning journey on different forms of social media ever since I started learning Cantonese and Mandarin. Being able to write in long form has reignited many aspects of my creativity. I not only get to keep track of my language learning progress and share it with others but also engage in photography and design.
Achieving my goal of relearning French outside of school. French was always a language I wanted to learn independently. I reached my 1 year relearning French milestone this year and I’m so glad I stuck to it.
Balancing multiple languages. The start of the year was an exciting time for language learning as it was the first time I focused on more than just one language. I also officially started Icelandic and learned so much more than I anticipated.
Starting a new job related to languages. I’ve always thought the best job for me would be one where I could be creative and analytical. Working in the education field, particularly in my current position, grants me that opportunity. Interestingly, my journey in learning French began a few months before stumbling upon this job, and now, I'm fortunate to embark on this linguistic adventure alongside my students.
Solo travelling for the first time. Learning languages and travelling to different places are often connected. I’m excited to have started my journey of travelling and hope to travel to more places in the years to come.
🎉 2024: What are my language learning goals for the next year?
Continuing to improve my French, especially my conversational abilities, remains a top goal. It's been my focus since September as I am to communicate more effectively with French-speaking families at work. I want to reach a point where using either French or English is a matter of choice, rather than feeling limited by my confidence in speaking French.
Moreover, I won't be setting yearly goals. Instead, I'm considering creating quarterly plans and goals that align with my energy and available time. Planning for a few months at a time seems more manageable and adaptable than planning for an entire year.
In 2024, especially during the first half of the year, my primary focus will continue to be on French, while still making time for my other target languages.
Here’s to another year of language learning!
❓ How was your fourth quarter/2023 year of language learning?
Were there any achievements or challenges you encountered?
What are your small wins?
Your progress in French is fantastic! I'd love to read a post about your job, it's always fun to see what others are up to 😊