Feedback on my language learning plan
Our take
Hello, language enthusiasts! I'm about to embark on an exciting language learning journey and would love your insights. As a native Portuguese speaker fluent in English and a Spanish comprehension whiz (though I lack speaking confidence), I’ve primarily learned languages through a childlike, instinctual process. My previous attempt at mastering Japanese fizzled out due to a repetitive routine with apps like Duolingo and Anki. Now, I’m setting my sights on French as a fun "tutorial" to refine my approach before diving into Mandarin, my ultimate goal. I’m eager to explore diverse tools—focusing on listening, conversing, and engaging with less gamified resources—to create a dynamic learning experience. I’m particularly curious about overcoming plateaus, which seem to be the most daunting aspect of language learning. Any advice or perspectives would be greatly appreciated!
Embarking on a language learning journey can feel like diving into an ocean of opportunity, yet it often washes over us with waves of uncertainty. Our friend, u/KantGettEnuff, is taking this plunge with a plan that is as thoughtful as it is ambitious. With a background in Portuguese and English, and a solid understanding of Spanish, they’re aiming to tackle French as a warm-up before diving into the complexities of Mandarin. This approach resonates with many language learners who find themselves at the intersection of aspiration and apprehension. In fact, it's a topic we've explored in other pieces, such as Do I need to perfect the languages I currently have before moving onto the next? and Feeling Overwhelmed as a Beginner, which discuss the balancing act of mastering multiple languages without feeling overwhelmed.
The crux of u/KantGettEnuff's reflection lies in the recognition that their previous experience with Japanese didn't quite hit the mark. The sensation of stagnation, the repetitive nature of learning routines, and the creeping doubt of personal capability can be disheartening. It's a feeling many have faced, encapsulated aptly in the phrase “I felt like I was practicing the same stuff.” This experience is not an indictment of their abilities but rather a reflection on the learning process itself. Through their candid sharing, they highlight a crucial aspect of language acquisition: the necessity of adapting one's approach. As they pivot to a more diverse set of tools—embracing listening, conversing, and less gamified applications—they embody a key principle that resonates with seasoned learners: variety is the spice of language learning. This is particularly relevant as we've discussed in our article on Intensive language program -- strategies, where diversifying methods can lead to breakthroughs.
What stands out is the courage to reevaluate one's learning strategies. The language landscape is littered with tales of frustration, but u/KantGettEnuff's willingness to learn from past missteps is a refreshing reminder of resilience. Their proactive approach to seeking advice on overcoming plateaus speaks volumes about their commitment to growth. Plateaus are notoriously challenging in any learning endeavor, and recognizing this hurdle is half the battle. The community's insights, drawn from personal experiences, can be invaluable in navigating these tricky waters. This interconnectedness is what makes the language learning community so powerful; every shared story becomes a piece of the puzzle for someone else.
As we celebrate this journey, it’s worth pondering how our language learning experiences shape our identities. The desire to learn French and Mandarin reflects not only a thirst for knowledge but an eagerness to connect with different cultures. Each language carries its own history, nuance, and rhythm—elements that can enrich our understanding of the world. As u/KantGettEnuff embarks on this path, we might ask ourselves: how do our language journeys influence our perspectives and relationships? The answer may reveal not just our motivations for learning but also the profound impact of language on our lives and communities. So, as we watch their progress, let’s stay attuned to the myriad ways language learning can open up new worlds, inviting us to engage, explore, and ultimately, understand each other a little better.
Hello everyone! I'm about to embark on a language learning journey but I wanted some perspective and feedback from people more advanced in their journey than I am.
I'm portuguese and I can also speak english at somewhere near native and I understand spanish pretty much perfectly (though I'm not confident in speaking it).
My language knowledge so far as been automatic and a result of that child like brute forcing of learning, so I don't have much experience with more formal language learning. I did give it a try with japanese but I was too young and basically only did Duolingo + Anki which ended up being very annoying and I eventually just gave up.
My plan right now is to try to learn french as sort of a "tutorial" and as a way to workshop a language learning process that is fun and engaging for me before moving on to mandarin which is my ultimate goal.
Both have pretty complex reasons as to why I want to learn them, but I wanted to reflect on why my previous japanese journey didn't work and this is where a different, more mature perspective is very valuable.
I did have a lot of motivation, but I felt like it got progressively harder and very repetitive, and I stopped feeling like I was making progress. Even when I dedicated a lot of time, it just felt like I was practicing the same stuff and like I was not really consolidating the new vocab. It made me feel dumb and undisciplined, but as I've come to understand, this usually just means a flawed process, and not a display of my shortcomings (especially knowing how much people in this space flame duolingo lol).
My plan is to use a more diverse set of tools, with different aspects to it (listening, conversing, less gamey type of apps) to try to have a more dynamic learning experience, hoping that these different aspects will synergize, but I'm very afraid of plateaus and I wanted to know what did you guys usually do when you found yourselves in one as it is probably the most challenging part of language learning.
This and any another advice/perspective would be appreciated :), thank you for your time reading my post
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