Chapter 1: Understanding Your Language Learning Goals

If you were aware that achieving fluency in a new language might take a decade, would you still pursue it?

Photo by Julia M Cameron on Pexels

Determining the motivation behind your desire for language fluency is relatively straightforward—whether it's moving to a new country, starting a business, or finding love. However, it's common to doubt your potential for success, especially during challenging times or just before a breakthrough.

One valuable piece of advice often shared during the New Year's resolution period (from December 1 to January 13) is to concentrate on the journey towards your goals rather than fixating solely on the destination.

An interesting life hack is that if someone has already discovered an efficient method to achieve something, it's wise to follow their lead. Ironically, while the simplest path to mastering a skill may seem easy, it often requires considerable effort.

The concept of Deliberate Practice, introduced by K. Anders Ericsson and his team, originates from their research into why top performers excel. Essentially, these individuals engage in focused practice aimed at improvement, often with the support of mentors who provide constructive feedback.

Applying this principle to language learning is entirely sensible. After all, you invested years honing your ability to communicate effectively in your native language.

A notable quote from a Harvard Business Review article states:

“The journey to truly superior performance is neither for the faint of heart nor for the impatient. The development of genuine expertise requires struggle, sacrifice, and honest, often painful self-assessment. There are no shortcuts. It will take you at least a decade to achieve expertise, and you will need to invest that time wisely, by engaging in ‘deliberate’ practice — practice that focuses on tasks beyond your current level of competence and comfort.”

Experiencing frustration is a natural part of the growth process. For some, mastering the ability to compartmentalize thoughts in foreign languages doesn't come easily, making the journey even tougher. I can’t be the only one who anticipated speaking fluently within a year of dedicated study. The crucial takeaway is to avoid falling into negative self-talk when facing these obstacles, as it can hinder your progress.

A productive initial step is to identify two key areas of focus: first, recognize what you excel at—something you can enhance to maintain your motivation. Second, pinpoint the most significant challenge you face, which will require substantial time and effort to overcome.

Although receiving feedback from a professional is beneficial, there are alternative ways to monitor your advancement when such resources are unavailable. For those at an advanced level, consider tracking the average number of words you need to look up per page occasionally. How has that number evolved over time?

Intermediate learners may benefit from maintaining a weekly journal, celebrating achievements like using a complex verb mood correctly or mastering a tricky conjunction.

For beginners, count how many words you can identify on a menu, items in your kitchen, or even phrases for casual expressions.

Your current objectives will dictate your focus—whether it’s expanding vocabulary, mastering verb forms, or comprehending challenging accents.

What should you do when faced with difficulties? Explore different methods. The beauty of language learning lies in the multitude of practice options available.

If you find yourself stagnating after extensive podcast listening, consider switching to comic books to enhance your conversational lexicon. Next, try memorizing and reciting a passage like a performer. If you're feeling bold, record yourself speaking and evaluate your pronunciation. Alternatively, translate poetry from your native language into your target one, following the original structure. You might also watch a documentary about the culture tied to the language you’re studying.

The key is to stay engaged and return to your initial motivations to counteract any self-doubt. Utilize inspiring tools, such as creating a vision board if you’re a visual learner, or composing narratives about how your first trip to Mongolia will be unforgettable if you’re more of a wordsmith.

Let me reiterate a vital point from the Harvard Business Review article: there are no shortcuts.

For intermediate to advanced Spanish learners seeking additional resources for practicing verb usage, check out my book, The Spanish Verb Drill Workbook!

Chapter 2: Insights from Experts

The first video, "Does Deliberate Practice Help in Language Learning?" featuring ‪@Thelinguist‬, delves into the effectiveness of focused practice in achieving language fluency.

The second video, "How to Reach a Very High Level in a Foreign Language" from @Days of French 'n' Swedish, provides strategies for mastering a foreign language effectively.