šæ A Reminder to Language Learners (and Myself)
Doing What Works for You
Learning a language is a long journey where we may encounter discouraging moments from time to time. I hope these reminders can help you stay consistent in your language learning journey.
šÆ Routines, Plans and Goals
Your language learning routine is yours
You don't need to use that app just because that polyglot uses it
Achieving fluency doesnāt have to be your only goal
You don't need to study 3 hours a day because someone said itās the fastest way to become fluent
You can change or postpone your goals if they arenāt working for you
Using planners and tracking apps can keep you on track but whatās most important is the effectiveness of your studies
You donāt need to be a polyglot
š Resources
You don't need to learn 15 cards daily on Anki to increase your vocabulary
Spaced repetition systems arenāt the only way to learn a language
You don't need to buy another textbook
You can move on to other resources
Free resources are just as good as paid resources
Itās okay to dabble in resources
Listening to music in your target language can be useful in learning new words and phrases
Comprehensible input has its benefits but the best type of resource is the one youāll actually use
š” Skills and Abilities
You don't need to speak from day one
You don't need to wait until you've mastered everything to start speaking
Itās okay to forget words
Donāt worry if you donāt have perfect pronunciation
If you donāt want to read in your target language, thatās okay
Not all of your language skills will be at the same levels
Itās okay to make grammar mistakes
Language tests donāt tell you everything about your language abilities
Native media isnāt so scary
Dreaming in another language is fun but it doesnāt always mean youāve reached fluency
š§ Mindset
If language learning is just a hobby, enjoy it
Know your limitsāsometimes its better to do a little bit than push yourself too hard
Step out of your comfort zones and challenge yourself from time to time
Now may not be the right time to learn that language
You can always return to a language and relearn it at a later date
Thereās nothing wrong with dabbling in multiple languages
Are there any reminders youād like to share with other language learners?
š¢ A shoutout to other language-learning newsletters
Reading about other language learners keeps me consistent when I start to feel discouraged.
Here are a few you should check out if you havenāt yet.
If youāve been thinking about documenting your language learning journey, this is your sign to make a blog or newsletter.
You can read about why I created a language learning newsletter here.
Thank you for being here
Thank you so much for all that you do, Victoria! These are very timely reminders and I know Iāll be returning to these reminders regularly. š
Absolutely love this!