Think you’re bad at languages? Experts say these 5 myths are to blame

Language learning is often a daunting prospect. Many of us wish we had learned a language to a higher level at school. But even though adults of all ages can do well in acquiring a new language, fear – or the memory of struggling to memorize grammar at school – can hold us back.

We both work in languages education and recognize the real benefits that learning another language can bring. As well as myriad cognitive benefits, it brings with it cultural insights and empathetic awareness. With that in mind, we’re here to dispel five myths about language learning that might be putting you off. In fact, learning about people, history and culture is arguably the best part of learning a language. While grammar and vocabulary are undeniably important aspects of language learning, they don’t exist in isolation from how people communicate in everyday life. Language learning can help us to have “intercultural agility” : the ability to engage empathically with people who have very different experiences from our own. To be able to do this means learning about people, history and culture. Immersing yourself in a particular country or location, for example through studying or working, is a fantastic way to do this. But when this isn’t feasible, there are so many other options available. We can learn so much through music, books, films, musical theater and gaming. Myth two: we should focus on avoiding mistakes – they’re embarrassing One problem with formal language learning is that it encourages us to focus on accuracy at all costs. To pass exams, you need to get things “right”.

Key points

• We both work in languages education and recognize the real benefits that learning another language can bring.
• As well as myriad cognitive benefits, it brings with it cultural insights and empathetic awareness.
• With that in mind, we’re here to dispel five myths about language learning that might be putting you off.
• In fact, learning about people, history and culture is arguably the best part of learning a language.
• While grammar and vocabulary are undeniably important aspects of language learning, they don’t exist in isolation from how people communicate in everyday life.