When I started my journey as a language student, it took me a while, years, before I realized that three elements were crucial for the success of my long-term project: motivation, commitment, and, what I like to call, a “ladder” approach.
Motivation. When frustration hits, we need to remind ourselves why we decided to learn that language. What propelled us to submit an application and pay for that specific language course? As obvious as it sounds, I found out, at my own expense, that it is easier said than done. On one hand, learning a language can be fun; but on the other hand, the process has its fair share of challenges. You’ll find yourself wondering, Why must it be so difficult? Was I crazy, thinking that I could do this? At this point, you need to stop, look backwards in time and remind yourself what your motivation was, and how excited you were.
It is possible that you are just tired and overwhelmed. Learning a new language is challenging both from a physical point of view – we use different muscles – and from a psychological one. When we speak our own language, we can talk about politics, philosophy, feelings. Now? Now we are barely able to say that a cat is under the table, or that Sue, whom we never met, is French, comes from Paris, and loves chocolate. Motivation is crucial! Did you make a mistake in class? No harm done! Are you struggling with the pronunciation of a certain word? Try again! Or skip it for now, and smile. Learning a new language should be exciting, a happy moment, and a journey of self-discovery.
Commitment. It goes without saying that two hours a week are just not enough. When we decide to learn a new language, we should try to incorporate it as much as we can in our daily lives. The word “commitment” could be intimidating for some of us. It makes it sound as if we should sit down for hours, leaf through hundreds of pages, conjugate millions of verbs. Instead, how about listening to some podcasts in your target language while working out? Or maybe, look at the list of ingredients on a cereal box while having breakfast. We can start reading about a topic we love, or that we know very well. You name it. There are many ways to include the new language in our daily lives. Find yours and enjoy the journey!
Finally, my idea of “ladder” approach. A ladder has steps. Practically no one is able to pass from the first step to the hundredth step in one jump! We have to realize that when we say, “I want to learn a new language”, we are just expressing our long-term goal.
When I applied to become a student in Foreign Languages and Literature, I was not fully aware of the fact that the statement, “I study languages” was excessively generic and vague. My journey was going to be much more challenging, exciting, and rich than I expected. I was so focused on that beautiful image of an older me sitting among peers at the European Parliament with a beautiful set of headphones, while conversing about politics, philosophy, and global warming in English or Spanish, that I almost missed the point.
It did not take too long before I realized that if I wanted to succeed, my approach needed to change. My first year was a constant swing between whirlwinds of frustration and euphoria; fear that the Spanish professor would ask me questions in front of hundreds of terrified students; and finally, the feeling of having words in four different languages spinning around me constantly.
I remember we had to translate a certain amount of books prior to our first exam. My first book was an “easy one”, Julius Caesar by Shakespeare, followed by another “simple one”, Dr. Faustus by Christopher Marlowe. Thy fate is against thee, my young pilgrim! – I thought.
As expected, it took me an eternity!
After six months of translating, I was able to pass the exam. Marlowe became my favorite author and I think that is because I felt like a hero after being able to understand what Mephistopheles and Doctor Faustus were saying.
Was my English fluent at that point? Absolutely not!
And yet, from that experience, I learnt many things.
I believe it is crucial to understand that we are in front of a ladder, one that will only take us higher if we accept to take one step at a time. Try to set small, achievable goals. There are different levels. For example, the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) has six levels: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2. For instance, you can aim to pass the A1 test by the end of the year, then the A2, and so on…
Our journey will be like a lovely road trip. We know what our destination is, but along the route, we will stop few times, we will refuel our car, take some pictures, and enjoy some good music.
This is a very insightful analysis of a polyglot’s journey. It begins but never ends and the benefits far outweigh the challenges one encounters along the way.
Julia, you are right. It begins and never ends… 🙂
Thank you for always challenging and motivating me. I appreciate knowing that we all face obstacles trying to learn another language. This was a good reminder that no matter where we are on the “ladder” it is one step at a time…..and to keep climbing.
Grazie Claudia
…un passo alla volta… 🙂
Thank you Claudia for writing this. It strengthens my believes that learning a new language is a daily task. I try to be immersed in Italian daily. I always listen to Italian when walking outside. I study grammar daily as well. However your post reminds me not to get frustrated. I can’t always see the progress but I know it’s there. How could I not improve with such a great teacher. Thanks for always teaching me and motivating me. The next step is to spend a long time in Italy.
Magari un giorno !!!!
Ti voglio bene Claudia !!!
Sharon, grazie per aver lasciato questo commento. Anche io ti voglio bene!
“Un gatto è sotto il tavolo” sara la mia nuova frase motivazionale!
Thank you for always being the biggest source of inspiration.
Mia cara Eva, grazie mille per le tue parole!!!!
Oh how I needed to read this! You’ve seen me *super* frustrated with learning Italian and your support in grounding and re-centering me has helped me get this far. I’m saving this post so I can refer to it when I’m about to cry! Grazie, Claudia! TVBx
Thank you Paolo for leaving this comment. We should learn to use that frustration as a fuel. I am trying to focus on what I want to learn without worrying too much. The process, even though challenging, must be a joyful journey! Let’s just enjoy it!