Introduction
You will often see headlines like “Learn Italian in Just 30 Days,” “Master English in 15 Days” or “Speak Fluent Arabic in 60 Days!” Same goes with the youtube thumbnails. What do you think? Is mastering a foreign language really that easy? If it were, we’d likely to see polyglots everywhere, isn’t it? But that is not the case right? So, what does it really take to learn a foreign language? Let me give you some insights from my personal experience of learning a foreign language for over 4 years now.
Understanding Language Proficiency
Before we know what we need to become proficient in a language, we must know what do we actually mean by proficiency. To be proficient in a foreign language, we need to develop four key skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. However, proficiency in these areas can vary greatly. For example, a 10-year-old child and William Shakespeare were both proficient in English, but their skill levels would be worlds apart, isn’t it? However, when we are learning a foreign language we don’t need to be a shakespear in that language. Anyways, at least we need to be able to converse in basic day to day life scenario in order to consider ourselves proficient in that particular language. Obviously mastering a language can be of different depths and complexities. Whatever the levels of proficiency is, it requires almost the same set of skills to reach them.
My Experience with Language Learning
I have been learning Arabic for the past four years. Two years into my journey, I decided to take a proficiency test administered by the School of Foreign Language of the Indian Ministry of Defense. I passed the exam, which consisted of written tests, a dictation test, and a viva voce. Scoring 50% or higher meant passing, and I succeeded, earning an Arabic proficiency certificate. But does this certificate mean I am truly proficient in Arabic? Again It depends on how you define proficiency. I wouldn’t say confidently that I’ll be able to keep a conversation running with a native Arabic speaker. Despite learning for 4 years, I will have hard time figuring out words and sentences of different Arabic dialect. So what is it exactly that we need to learn a foreign language?
The Role of Aptitude
Many believe, it is ‘aptitude’—our natural ability to learn. Yes, aptitude plays a significant role in language learning. And the finest language learning institutes in the world recognizes that. For example, the Defense Language Institute (DLI) in California. DLI offers intensive language learning courses for defense personnels. Here, students can learn even the most challenging languages with difficulty level 4, like Arabic, Mandarin, Japanese, and Korean, in just 66 weeks. Their success rate is really impressive. But there is a catch. But before enrolling, students must take an aptitude test. This test measures their innate ability to learn a language, not their current proficiency.
While aptitude can be helpful, especially for those wanting to learn a language quickly, it is not the only factor. The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) conducted a study over 70 years and found that a person with minimal aptitude needs about twice as many hours as someone with high aptitude to reach an advanced level in a difficult language like Arabic. This means that while aptitude can speed up learning, anyone can learn a language with enough time and effort.
Debunking the Myth of Age and Language Learning
There is a common misconception that learning a language becomes harder or impossible as we age. Some argue that you need a young, “clean slate” brain to learn a language effectively. This is a myth. In many ways, adults are more capable than children when it comes to language learning.
Consider this: a five-year-old native speaker has spent over 40,000 hours in their linguistic environment. If an adult dedicates the same amount of time to learning a language, they can achieve a similar level of proficiency. Learning a language is not about age; it’s about time, dedication, and the right strategies.
The Real Secret: Time, Energy, and Perseverance
Learning a language is not rocket science. It requires time, energy, and perseverance. There are no shortcuts. While some methods may accelerate the process, true proficiency comes from dedication and consistent practice.
But where does this dedication come from? A clear goal or a compelling reason to learn the language can fuel your motivation. Ask yourself, “Why do I want to learn this language?” If you have a strong answer, you are already on the path to success.
Personal Lessons on Language Learning
During my time at the National Defence Academy, learning a foreign language was mandatory for all members. I was assigned Mandarin, even though I would have preferred Arabic. I completed the two-year Mandarin program, passing both the Elementary Chinese Reader 1 and 2 tests with scores above 90%. However, since the final exam, I haven’t read a single Chinese character. My current proficiency in Chinese is probably no better than someone who has never heard of the language. This experience taught me that dedication and continuous practice matter far more than any certificate or test score.
Conclusion
Language learning is a journey, not a race. It takes more than just aptitude or age; it requires time, dedication, and a strong purpose. Whether you’re learning for personal growth, career advancement, or the joy of connecting with new cultures, remember that the key to mastering a language lies in your commitment to the process. So, set your goals, stay dedicated, and enjoy the journey of language learning!
What are your experiences with learning a new language? Share your thoughts in the comments below!