Language Learning: Expectations vs Reality
2020 threw the community some curveballs, and in this changing landscape, there is uncertainty in people’s lives. In the last few months, you can say that the K-12 school experts have been working tirelessly so as to help learners maintain a sense of normalcy.
When it comes to learning a new language, the high expectations you may have will clash with reality. This is okay if you expect it in advance.
Just like including going to the gym in your to-do list of New Year’s resolutions, the way you envision everything can be different from reality.
Expectations of Learning Language
Before going to school, students already have lived experiences with visual, spoken, and written communication and have probably used language in different familiar contexts.
Plus, they have come up with ways of using language specific to their linguistic contexts. To add to that, teacher’s plan programs and online language courses enable students to communicate their thinking and learn in a meaningful way.
When learning a second language, every individual has a different opinion regarding what it takes so as to learn it. According to most people, expectations are based on the following:
1. Right Platform
Online learning might not be a suitable environment when it comes to two-way communication, which is basically important for learning. According to most people, teachers are not qualified enough to help students learn the language.
2. Grammar
Grammar is also another area where most students have high expectations for themselves. For most, this has to do with standardized testing.
Grammar can easily be tested, and you will show progress on tests compared to other types of assessments. Tutors use tests to evaluate students so as to get a job, acquire a visa, or be enrolled in the university. Plus, tests are very important, making many people focus on them.
The reality of Language Learning
If you’re planning to learn a new language, you require genuine love, interest, and commitment for it. It is simple to be lazy when learning the language becomes challenging.
Something as flimsy as making new friends so as to get promoted cannot help you stick to all your learning goals. You must have a good and strong reason to deal with your laziness.
Plus, remember that learning means doing something for a lifetime. Being realistic will not disappoint you. It could also help knowing that language learning:
1. Is Multi-Faceted Process
Learning to listen, write, speak, and read are important skills to work on as you proceed with your journey of studying a new language. There is evidence suggesting that one’s writing reflects a person’s overall mastery of the new language.
As a new student, it is easy mistake to your ability to understand and read spoken language for the ability to speak. The reality is that you need to learn the connection between your speaking and writing skills. With this, you will have a better sense of your weakness.
2. Requires Dedication and Focus
Learning a new language is like learning how to play musical instruments so as to do it well. You should put aside more time to practice and structure it better to enable you to review your progress while working on your skills.
Final Remarks!
Learning a new language is a beautiful process. The way you learn depends on several factors, such as time, availability, and interest in the topic.
Reality might seem very hard and even dampen your spirit. However, it is vital not to be discouraged by realizing that your expectations could have been a little high.
