Learning a new language can be challenging if you are beginning to study it or have been studying it for years.
There are many aspects of a language that can be difficult to master, which is why making the most of your study time is so important.
Pain points of learning a new language and its solutions
Learning a new language can be challenging, but that does not mean you should stop trying. Continuing to learn and grow as an individual will help you in more ways than you might realize.
Read on to discover six common pain points of learning a new language and how you can avoid them!
Words are hard
Learning a new language can be difficult since you are dealing with thousands of new words — some of which have no direct translation in your mother tongue.
You may get stuck on certain words, no matter how often you read or hear them. And you may even come across words you have no idea how to pronounce!
This can be incredibly frustrating. This frustration can lead to you giving up on your language learning goals. Learning how to deal with these words would be best to avoid getting stuck would be best.
One way to do this is to start collecting words and their definitions as you come across them.
Create flashcards to quiz yourself on new words and their definitions. You can also create note cards with words and definitions as visual aids.
Vocabulary is boring
Learning new words is one of the main reasons you might want to learn a new language. But it can be incredibly boring, especially if you only learn words from a textbook.
Finding ways to make learning vocabulary fun can greatly impact your study time.
You can make it more enjoyable by:
- Creating games to practice word meanings.
- Studying with friends.
- Learning new words through pictures and visuals.
- Use humor books to lighten the mood.
- Finding new ways to learn the words you need.
- Finding a new passion or hobby that uses that language.
You are using the wrong tools
Suppose you are struggling to find the right resources or study materials or are wasting time trying to learn with the wrong tools.
In that case, you are likely experiencing one of the pain points in this article.
You may want to learn a language but do not know where to start or you might be using the wrong study materials.
Consider the following when choosing materials and resources for your language learning needs:
- What is your current level of proficiency?
- What is your learning style?
- What are your specific goals and objectives?
- Which language learning methods work best for you?
- How much time do you have each day to study?
Speaking is too hard
Learning to speak and communicate with others in a foreign language can be incredibly challenging, especially if you are starting.
You can do several things to make speaking in your target language easier.
You can:
- Start with people you are familiar with.
- Use visual aids to help you communicate.
- Take language classes.
- Join a language exchange.
- Use technology to learn conversation and communication skills.
- Practice, practice, practice!
You are not practicing enough
If you are not practicing what you have learned, you are not learning or growing.
Suppose you spend hours each day reading and studying but never apply what you have learned. In that case, you are missing out on one of the most important aspects of language learning — application!
You must apply what you have learned to get the most out of your study time.
The best way to do this is to:
- Talk to yourself in your target language.
- Talk to others in your target language.
- Read and write in your target language.
- Visit and talk to people in your target language.
Culture is intimidating
Suppose you are studying a language that has a rich and complex cultural history and tradition.
In that case, you may feel overwhelmed and intimidated by the task.
You might feel that you do not have the knowledge or experience to adequately learn about a language’s culture and history.
This is completely normal. But it also means that you are not approaching your study time correctly.
There are several ways you can tackle this pain point and make the most of your study time.
For example, you can:
- Find a mentor.
- Read books.
- Attend cultural events.
- Talk to people and ask questions.
- Visit museums.
When it comes to learning a new language, there are many pain points that you could encounter.
Words can be hard, vocabulary can be boring, you may be using the wrong tools, speaking may be too hard, you may not be practicing enough, and cultural intimidation may be an issue.
But always remember that there are also ways to combat these pain points. 😉