Language learning experiences

The first foreign language I learnt was French, which we started at school when I was 11. For the first year, I was completely confused and frustrated by it. I didn’t know anyone who spoke any other language than English, and I expected French to be exactly like English, except using different, directly translated words. I couldn’t get past the idea that it must be wrong to say, “car red” instead of, “red car” and I couldn’t understand why objects had genders. It also didn’t help that this was the first time we were taught grammar at school, so even the concept of a verb was difficult for me to understand. At the end of the first year, my French teacher told my parents, “Michelle will never be good at French”. I don’t think my parents told me this until some years later, which I thank them for. What does it do to someone to be damned before they’ve even really started? People learn at different paces and in different ways. I happen to be a bit of a slow learner to begin with. But once I do understand the basics, even if it never really gets easy, it gets easier. Another thing I truly didn’t understand at the age of 11 is that learning something new is rarely an easy task, and that’s what makes us feel a sense of pride and achievement when we have learnt, or succeeded at, something. I certainly felt that when I got my university in degree in, yes, you guessed it…French.

So what am I trying to say here? Well, firstly I do understand that, like anything, learning English may not be easy. Maybe sometimes it’s frustrating, confusing, complicated, or just completely illogical; maybe someone will tell you that you’re not good at English; maybe you think that yourself. But before you get demotivated, I would say this: firstly, discuss your concerns with your teacher. Maybe he or she can suggest something to make it easier, explain something in a different way, or give you some more practise on a particular concept or skill. Secondly, be a little more patient with yourself. Congratulate yourself on what you do know. Take things at your own pace – do a little bit, but often. Listen to English language music; watch films and comedy programmes in English, and don’t expect to understand everything; try to speak with English native-speakers, and don’t be afraid to ask them to repeat things or slow down. Play games like ‘Pictionary’ and ‘Scrabble’ in English. Most of all, experiment and have fun with it.

So, this is my experience, but what about yours? What helps you to learn? Have you ever been discouraged, or more importantly, encouraged by anyone? What would your advice be to other language learners? Don’t hesitate to write your experiences in the comments box below!