Every language learner has made at least one error during their language learning process.
Anyone who says the opposite is lying, trust us.
And do you know why?
Because it is a natural thing, especially if you learn two languages at once.
But, again, it can be quite overwhelming if you continue making those mistakes.
So, that's why we've gathered 7 major errors in language learning and provided you tips on how to avoid them.
Take a closer look at each one of them, remember and don't forget about them when starting to learn a new language. It will save your time, nerves, and confidence.
Let's dive in.
7 Major Errors in Language Learning And How to Avoid Them
Pronunciation
Different sounds in different languages are common and natural.
Some sounds don't exist in one language, while in the other, they are not only used but most of the words, especially for everyday conversations, include them.
Take a look at the typical Spanish 'th' sound. Castilian Spanish uses it often, while Spanish spoken in Latin America doesn't. Therefore, for Latin Americans, things get pretty challenging when it comes to the 'th' sound pronunciation.
Or, for example, the French rolled r. Many languages don't have that sound like the French, so language learners, especially those whose native languages are a little more 'strong' have to practice a lot to learn the famous rolled r in French.
Improving the pronunciation and learning the sounds of your target language is possible by listening. There are plenty of entertaining podcasts to listen to and you can also practice the sounds with tongue twisters.
Vocabulary
Here's one more common error that happens when you learn a new language.
Lack of words or phrases often results in misunderstanding the context and therefore the whole point.
There are many ways to improve your vocabulary in your target language, such as reading books, blogs, playing games, using flashcard apps but you should have in mind that it can't happen overnight. For boosting the vocabulary it takes time and persistence.
Also, explaining the words you don't know is one helpful way to get you through the difficult part but always try to learn the word you will need.
Your Native Language
Believe it or not, your native language sometimes can make things difficult.
It happens when your native language somehow finds its way and interferes with the learning of your target language.
On one hand, it can be positive and help you improve the language skills of your target language.
But what about its side effects?
Usually, it happens in speaking and sometimes in writing skills. You are applying the rules of your native language to your target, which doesn't give good results in the end.
To avoid this, you should stay focused on your target language and its preferences from the first day of studying.
Take a detailed look and find out which parts are difficult for you, where do you usually make mistakes and let your native language interfere. Slowly over time, you will realize the difference and as you get into the language more and more, you will be clear.
Your Expectations
Now, here, we all want to speak our target languages fluently and if possible learn them quickly.
But the reality is a bit different.
You have to make realistic goals about your learning.
If you've already tried learning a new language, but that resulted unsuccessfully, your goals weren't realistic.
How long it takes to learn a foreign language depends on many things. It can't happen overnight.
So, to avoid this error, you should take a 'slow walk' and learn things one by one.
Remember, this isn't a sprint.
Learning Materials
20, 30 years ago, language learning materials and resources weren't so widely created.
Many of them were usually boring, especially the grammar parts.
Today, the situation is different.
There are a variety of great and entertaining learning resources.
If your listening skills aren't that good, improve them with movies and podcasts.
In case you are searching for a fun way to get over that boring grammar, you could try some games that help you learn grammar patterns and exceptions.
Too Much Time-Commitment
This is one of the most common errors any language learner makes.
Today, all around you, you can see ads saying that it is possible to learn a foreign language fluently in just a couple of weeks or in only one month.
And then you feel you can do it, too, so you plan to learn your target language quickly and to speak it fluently.
Let us tell you one thing: that's not possible, especially if you want to learn a language at an advanced level.
No matter if you learn one of the easiest or the hardest languages in the world, you can't learn a new language that efficiently.
Anyone who tells you otherwise is lying.
It takes time for you and your brain to memorize all those new words and phrases, learn grammar rules and how to apply them in sentences, or pronounce some sounds that don't exist in your native language. For all that you need extra time and commitment.
And that can't happen overnight.
So, before you think you can't do that because you aren't smart, prepare yourself to learn the new language. Take as much time as you need and use some entertaining learning materials so that you can memorize better.
Don't let some ads and commercials about some non-realistic goals make you think you can't reach your goal just because you haven't reached a native-like level in a month.
Neglecting Some of The Skills
Some language learners think that some language skills are more important than others so they don't have to practice and spend some time improving them.
For example, you practice your speaking skills with your language exchange partners and you come to the conversational level when you can chit-chat about anything with the native speakers. On the other hand, your reading and writing skills are quite bad. So imagine when you have to write down something or read some direction or explanation and you don't quite get that.
True that some of the language skills we use more often than the others but that doesn't mean you have to neglect them.
Make sure that you practice and learn all language skills equally because even though they can be used separately, all of them are actually connected.
Final Thoughts
No matter if this is the first foreign language you are starting to learn or the fifth, it's all the same.
Pay attention to these errors in the beginning of your path. Don't be too harsh on yourself but on the other hand, give your best effort to reach your desired level of proficiency.
Also, don't forget to boost your knowledge any time you have the chance for that.
Interested in becoming fluent in a new language? Check out these top online learning resources:
Kick off your learning with Babbel, where interactive, enjoyable lessons are designed to blend smoothly into your routine, fostering fast and effective language learning.
For those aiming for an in-depth understanding, Udemy provides a broad spectrum of courses from basic to advanced levels.
To enhance your speaking skills, Preply connects you with native speakers for personalized coaching, ensuring significant improvement. Take advantage of a 50% discount on your first lesson at Preply with this link.
What are some common mistakes in language learning?
Pronunciation, Vocabulary, Your Native Language, Your Expectations, Learning Materials, Too Much Time-Commitment
How to avoid mistakes in language learning?
This is one of the most common errors any language learner makes. Today, all around you, you can see ads saying that it is possible to learn a foreign language fluently in just a couple of weeks or in only one month. And then you feel you can do it, too, so you plan to learn your target language quickly and to speak it fluently. Let us tell you one thing: that's not possible, especially if you want to learn a language at an advanced level. No matter if you learn one of the easiest or the hardest languages in the world, you can't learn a new language that efficiently. Anyone who tells you otherwise is lying. It takes time for you and your brain to memorize all those new words and phrases, learn grammar rules and how to apply them in sentences, or pronounce some sounds that don't exist in your native language. For all that you need extra time and commitment. And that can't happen overnight. So, before you think you can't do that because you aren't smart, prepare yourself to learn the new language. Take as much time as you need and use some entertaining learning materials so that you can memorize better. Don't let some ads and commercials about some non-realistic goals make you think you can't reach your goal just because you haven't reached a native-like level in a month.
