Today’s world is constantly bombarded with new and innovative ways to learn a language. There are apps, websites, videos, flashcards—the list goes on.
However, despite this abundance of study methods, some people remain unconvinced of the benefits of using these resources. Everyone has their learning style, and different things work for different people.
But when learning a new language effectively (and quickly), certain study methods tend to work better than others. Let’s look at why people continue using bad study methods and language apps…
Why people continue using bad study methods
We’re too impatient to find the right method
Learning a new language is a slow process. There’s no quick fix or magic solution for becoming fluent in a language overnight.
It takes time. Lots of it. This is especially true for adults who have never learned a language before.
We have to learn how to hear, break down, and understand the new sounds of a language before we can start to form the words we want to say.
It’s, therefore, safe to say that if you’re looking for an instant solution to your language learning woes, you’re probably out of luck. But if you’re willing to spend some time finding the right study methods, you will see results.
It’s easier to use an app than to find a tutor
There are many reasons why apps are a poor substitution for human teachers. One of the biggest issues with apps is that they are incredibly impersonal.
If you want to learn a language, you need to engage with people who speak that language and build confidence. Using an app won’t do that for you.
There’s also the fact that apps are incredibly expensive. Many cost a couple of dollars a day and don’t come with a tutor to help iron out kinks in your learning.
While a tutor isn’t a given, it’s likely that other students using the same app as you will be able to help you out with any problems.
We think we can learn a language from apps alone
It’s easy to get carried away with the promise of self-learning apps. Some promise fluency in a language 10 minutes a day, while others claim that they can turn you into a polyglot in just a couple of months.
That’s all well and good, but there’s one thing many people overlook when it comes to the language app craze: you can’t learn a language from an app alone.
You need to engage with native speakers and other people studying the same language as you. If you don’t, you’re setting yourself up for failure.
We don’t believe that technology can help us learn languages
Using apps is just one of the many ways we can learn a new language. It’s not the be-all and end-all. But, thanks to the popularity of the language app, many people have the misguided notion that apps are the only way to go.
We’re not saying you shouldn’t use an app to learn a language—far from it. What we are saying is that there are other methods out there that may suit you better.
You’ve just got to try a few things and see what works best for you.
Boredom
Good language apps are designed to engage your brain and keep it stimulated as you learn. However, this doesn’t mean every app will be an easy ride.
A study has shown that people learn better when faced with a challenge. This means you may have to find ways to overcome the boredom of learning from an app.
If you’re finding the app too easy for you, try challenging yourself by using mnemonics or turning the app off at certain intervals to gauge your progress.
Learning a new language can be a daunting prospect, but it is also extremely rewarding. There are multiple ways to learn a language, and you should choose the method that best suits you.
Follow the advice in this article. You will be able to choose a study method that is right for you and will help you to become fluent in your desired language in no time.
