It’s hard not to notice this trend in language learning; it seems everywhere I turn there is a push to learn languages more quickly. As soon as I hear claims of lightening fast results, I am skeptical. And I question why someone would want to learn so quickly in the first place?
Perhaps because I love language learning, I am not in a hurry to rush through it. Sure, I don’t want to dawdle and fritter away my time, but I am not trying to learn Chinese in three months or one year. Personally, I think that would be absurd!
I want to take the time it takes for the language, culture and thinking to sink in and fuse into my being. I’m not learning Chinese as a means to an end. I’m learning Chinese for the express pleasure of learning Chinese. I’m in for the long haul. In fact, I believe learning a language is a lifelong endeavor.
So while 30 day challenges and fluency in a few months may be how some people approach language learning, it’s just not my bag. If a slow approach appeals to you, here are a few reasons to feel good about slowing down:
- Consistent language learning over a long period of time creates stronger neural pathways. As a result you are less likely to forget the language even if you don’t use it for awhile.
- Spending more, rather than less, time on a language fosters a deeper personal connection to that language and it “becomes a part of you.”
- Slow paced language learning isn’t actually slow, it’s just normal! Accelerated learning was developed as a way to market language learning products and blogs. By holding your ground and sticking to “slow” learning you aren’t buying into the hype.
- By taking the slow road, you don’t have to feel guilty, inferior or disappointed about your progress.
- You can relax and find enjoyment and pleasure in learning for learning’s sake, and that will keep you more motivated and interested in the long run.
- Slow language learning is deep language learning. Afford yourself the time to get to know the language inside and out.
- Learning is not a competition. But if it were, slow and steady wins the race!
I understand that the speed with which a person wants to learn is often directly related to the reasons for learning. If you are learning a language for a job opportunity, a graduation requirement, travel, or any other time sensitive reasons, you may feel it’s dire that you learn as quickly as possible. If that is your situation, I cheer you on as you speed through your intensive language programs.
As for me, I need to continually grant myself permission to take it slow in a competitive world of blogs and language products that encourage ever faster learning. I can fall into the comparison trap on a bad day, and that is a very unproductive place to be!
What is a comfortable pace for you to learn languages? I’m curious to hear what feels right for you!
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