Learning a new language can be difficult at any age. However, once understood, it can be very rewarding. You will receive a sense of fulfillment and it will also give you many opportunities in life, such as chances to travel, a wider range of potential jobs and increased employability. There are many myths surrounding the ability to learn a new language language.
Here are just a few myths and the reasoning behind them:
Two languages can’t be learnt at the same time
False: It is very possible to learn two languages at the same time as many people have done so. However, it is a good idea to choose to learn two languages which are different from each other. This will prevent confusion and mistakes as languages such as Spanish and Italian are similar and many words. Phrases and grammar also overlap, which could make it more difficult and frustrating to learn. In addition, you may want to increase your competence in one language before you begin to learn the second. As long as you are dedicated and put the work in, there is no reason why you can’t learn two languages at the same time.
Fluency in a foreign language can’t be acquired unless you learn it before puberty.
True: This is true to some extent. It is a considerably more difficult to learn a language as you get older. However, there are many adults who have become proficient in a foreign language due to dedication and hard work. Childhood is the best time to learn a second language as you will learn to speak it fluently and naturally without your mother tongue’s accent.
All languages are equally difficult to learn
True: Throughout the 6500 languages in the world, all have varying levels of difficulty. Depending on your native tongue, one language could be difficult to you, yet easy to others. For example, if you speak Spanish, learning Italian would be relatively easy as they both use similar vocabulary. If you decided to learn Chinese or Russian, you may find it a lot harder. Therefore, some languages are certainly harder to learn than others.
You shouldn’t learn a foreign language because everybody speaks English
False: Everybody does certainly not speak English. Around 350 million people use English as their first language which is only 5% of the world’s population. If you learn a second language, you will be able to travel and fully understand the cultural surrounding of the origin of your chosen language. This makes it a very good idea to learn another language as there are endless rewarding benefits.
If you’re reday to take the plunge, we can recommend a very good website for complete beginners to get started: duolingo.com. They also have a handy app.
Can you think of any more myths about learning a new language? If so, please leave your comments below.