Foreign Language Learning

Foreign Languages

If there is one thing I will never regret in my life, it is the fact that I improved my foreign language skills.

To provide some context, I speak Mandarin and Cantonese because my parents each speak one of those languages. Having grown up multilingual, I haven’t fully mastered everything, but I have spoken extensively with many Chinese and Taiwanese people to improve my Mandarin.

 I speak English, I have visited the United States three times, and I lived in Australia for over a year, so I can say that I am highly proficient and speak very fluently!

I also speak German; while not as fluent as my other two languages, I no longer struggle to find my words and can communicate quite smoothly, though my limited vocabulary still holds me back at times.

Common Misconceptions About Foreign Languages

Many people believe that learning only happens when you are living in the country

• Of course, it speeds things up, but if you have the time, why not do it in France? Many people move to Australia or other English-speaking countries with the goal of becoming bilingual within a year, yet very few—if anyone—actually succeed.

« I don’t want to speak any language other than French because, to truly improve, I need to speak with native speakers.

• A language is learned through practice and habit; simply thinking in that language provides a mental workout. I remember feeling extremely exhausted when speaking different languages in the same evening. Now, however, it has become very easy.

It has been a long time since I last spoke the language, and my proficiency has declined.

• I believe you may have overestimated your proficiency, as you don’t simply forget a language after one or two years. When you are skilled, you remain so.

You’re lucky; being able to speak several languages is a true gift.

• And the hundreds of hours I spent struggling to find my words and talking to strangers don’t count! No, of course not—you have to practice to be able to speak, and everyone is in the same boat.

The methods I used to improve my foreign language skills

• Going to school  , I studied Chinese for 10 years and German for 3 years.
• Reading books on the subject helps you build a habit; however, you must continue to practice and immerse yourself in the language.
• Make a note of new words and read them aloud to help you remember them; I used to carry a small notebook during my trip around the world and would jot down new words every time.
• Meet and speak the language.
• Listen to the language to train your ear; I have spent years watching English and American series. If it is one of your hobbies, why not do it in English, or at least with English subtitles?

• Do not be afraid of making mistakes or losing face; it is crucial because that fear is merely an excuse and a barrier you create for yourself. I know my German is not perfect and that I make many mistakes, but when people listen to me, I speak fluently. German women, in particular, are often surprised and truly appreciate it.

• Do not compare yourself to others; we are all different and we do not all learn in the same way—some are more auditory learners, while others are visual.

• Watch TV; the reason I improved my foreign language skills is simple: I was a huge manga fan, and I watched anime with English subtitles because French subtitles weren’t available. I did this for several years! Turn your passion into an asset!