W.E.Cultural Connections.
How to Learn a Language: Insights for Language Learners
Learning a new language is a significant commitment. Like acquiring any new skill, it requires not only absorbing theoretical knowledge but also consistently practicing and refining the skill. In this article, I’ll share some insights that may help anyone looking to embark on the journey of learning a language.
Understanding What a Language Is
Language is a system that conveys meaning through a structured combination of sounds and written forms. The key word here is system—every language has its own system. To learn a language means learning an entirely new system of pronunciation, writing, and even thinking.
This realization is crucial. The skills you have from your native language (such as grammar, pronunciation, and logic) may not apply when learning a new language. You might find yourself starting from scratch, consciously building new ways to pronounce, write, and even think. Yes, thinking in a new language can be challenging, especially when the language you are learning is vastly different from your own.
When learning a language, you are not just learning vocabulary and grammar; you are also learning a new perspective on how to express ideas, values, and culture. This is particularly true when the language you are learning reflects a worldview different from your own.
For example, English grammar is very structured. Tenses are indicated by changes in verb forms (e.g., past tense, present tense), and plural nouns are formed by adding an “s.” This system is logical, emphasizing clear distinctions between actions, times, and events. In contrast, Chinese does not use verb conjugation to indicate tenses. Instead, time is inferred from context, with words like yesterday or this morning helping to establish the timeframe. This reflects a more holistic view of time and events—where the context matters more than individual elements. Understanding these differences is key to embracing a new language and its cultural context.
I encourage you to approach language learning with this in mind: each language is a beautiful system, reflecting the complexity and brilliance of human thought.
The Science of Learning
When we learn, our brains process new information through sensory inputs (e.g., hearing, reading, touching) and organize it into mental schemas (frameworks or categories). For example, if you’re learning about “school,” your brain will associate the word with images of classrooms, teachers, students, and exams.
When new information fits easily into an existing schema, it’s easy to learn. However, if the new information doesn’t align with anything you already know, your brain must work harder to make sense of it. This is especially true when learning a completely new language. You’ll need to create a new schema for this language, which will be added to your mental “file cabinet.”
At first, the new schema is stored in your short-term memory. To move this information into long-term memory, you need to repeat it consistently. This is the process of reinforcement: the more you review and practice new words and grammar rules, the easier it becomes to recall and use them. Repetition is essential for language learning, but it can be made enjoyable and creative.
In essence, learning a language is about taking in new vocabulary and grammar, organizing it within the framework of the new language, and repeating it until you can easily retrieve and use it. This is how language learning works in your brain.
How to Learn a Language
As I mentioned in a previous post, the learner, the content, and the teacher all play important roles in the language-learning process. If you haven’t read it yet, below is the link. But in this section, I’ll focus on how you can learn a language on your own.
Use the Language
Learning a language is not just about memorizing vocabulary and grammar; it’s about using the language. The most challenging part of language learning is often repetition, and this can become boring if you view it as a school subject rather than a means of communication. To stay motivated, always keep in mind the question: How can I use this language?
For example, after learning a few new words, I like to create sentences using those words and imagine situations where I could use them. The same goes for grammar. I create hypothetical scenarios (whether verbal or written) in which I can apply the new rules. Sometimes, delibrately mixing old and new vocabulary can make this process even more fun. This is the perfect way to integrate new elements into your existing knowledge, gradually expanding your mental language system.
Over time, you’ll begin to build a "world" in your mind using the new language. The process becomes more natural and enjoyable as you see your vocabulary and grammar building on one another.
Implicit Learning: Exposure to the Language
In addition to explicit learning through textbooks and lessons, implicit learning is a highly effective way to internalise a language. This happens when you expose yourself to the language in everyday contexts, such as through TV shows, movies, music, or podcasts. Your brain learns best when you're relaxed and enjoying the content.
Many people have learned a new language simply by watching TV shows or movies in that language. The more enjoyable the media for you, the better the learning experience. You don’t even need to focus on the language—it will seep in naturally. You might find yourself repeating sentences with complex grammar, without consciously thinking about the structure. This is the power of implicit learning.
To make the most of this, put on a TV show or movie in the target language while you do everyday tasks like cooking, cleaning, or running errands. The language will sink in, and you’ll find yourself using new words and structures almost effortlessly.
Conclusion: A New World Awaits
Learning a language is more than just a skill—it’s a doorway to a new world, offering you the ability to connect with people from different cultures, gain new perspectives, and even understand life itself in a deeper way. It challenges your mind, enriches your thinking, and opens up countless possibilities for personal and professional growth.
I hope these insights help you as you embark on your language learning journey. Remember, it’s not just about the words and grammar; it’s about immersing yourself in the language, using it, and allowing it to shape the way you see the world. Enjoy the process, and happy learning!