~ Take Responsibility for Your Language Project ~

Tu deviens responsable pour toujours de ce que tu as apprivoisé.

- Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

In my teaching practice I come across many people of all types and ways, and I often hear that their linguistic journey was bumpy, especially in the beginning.  The reason behind that is not the lack of resources or talents, or even time. It is what can be called the initial deadlock of overthinking. Let me explain.

Some people like the idea of responsibility, whereas others are not particularly fond of the concept. Nevertheless, when it comes to undertaking a project like “Learning a new language” – be it for work, for relationship, for research, for fun, etc. – most people start by intensely pulling on the brakes. It happens sub-consciously. An “upcoming” language learner suddenly starts thinking too much about what kind of a commitment learning a new language will be, i.e. time-wise, results-wise, etc., and even if miraculously or through an outside intervention (e.g. work requirement) they don’t fall into a trap of procrastination, and somehow start their journey, they will eventually overthink the whole endeavor. The result can be multiple “false starts” or substantial “on hold” periods in the language learning project, i.e. “I’m not lucky with teachers”, “It’s just not for me – my brain just doesn’t work this way”, “It’s way too complicated, I can’t keep up with it”, “Maybe I’m past the school period in my life and I just can’t hold it all in my head?” etc. The result is 99% of cases end with no success.

What are we missing here?

• The first suggestion is that whenever a new language project is in front of you (for any reason whatsoever, i.e. work, travel, fun, etc.), the only deep analysis you should do is make sure you really WANT and not just NEED to learn that gorgeous new way of seeing the world (aka a foreign tongue). Our brain rejects any forced activity, but plays along with any voluntary one. Intending to do something “out of need/necessity” is already a big obstacle. Notice that when you desire something, everything goes smoother and faster. In case, you really need a new language for work, you can transform your attitude towards wanting it as well. Think of all the cultural insights a new linguistic world will offer you and get excited! That’s a powerful start.

• Secondly, don’t think about results. At least, not right before you start. Very often we are taught to set goals and achieve them. And there is nothing wrong with that. However, when it comes to doing something intellectually challenging, too much focus on the goal might create a setback every time you’re challenged in that activity. If you keep it light, you’ll have a smoother ride. Moreover, you’ll keep surprising yourself instead of constantly being disappointed. Flexibility allows growth, whereas rigidity blocks it. Adopt the flexibility mindset when learning.

• Thirdly, accept responsibility for your project by making a deliberate choice based on that knowledge and other circumstances – i.e. start learning a language on your own or with assistance. If you’re not sure which path to take – take both and see which one feels more like you.

• It’s important to realize that there is no hard or easy in learning a language and there is no one to blame for making it feel that way. For it’s you and only you who is going to make a new tongue their own. If you treat this endeavor in the spirit of Emerson’s self-reliance, you’ll notice that it actually can be and is a lot of inspiration and fun. 

Therefore, don’t overthink your new language project. Overcomplicating the mere idea of doing something is a friend of procrastination and failure. Don’t waste time on extra rumination and hesitation. Change your attitude, reframe your expectations and take the lead in one of the most intellectually satisfying potentialities of the human mind – acquiring a foreign language. Viel Spaß!