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Is learning a new language difficult?

I want to new a language. #foreign

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Alexandra’s Answer

Dear Sansan,


Learning a new language is not difficult if it is something you enjoy and if you are surrounded by people who encourage you. The best way to learn new language is to immerse yourself in an environment where only that language is spoken every day. This is the fastest path to learning because you basically have no choice but to figure out how to communicate. They key to success here is to listen actively and not be afraid to make mistakes. But what if you cannot travel to a foreign country and be immersed in the local culture?


Well, you can take some classes where, from day one, you only have to speak the language with your peers. I believe Middlebury College offers some excellent classes like that and they really help you learn:


http://www.middlebury.edu/ls


Also, you can watch movies and listen to music on a daily basis in that language to keep hearing it all the time.

Alexandra recommends the following next steps:

Look for classes that offer immersion in the language you want to learn
Identify some travel opportunities or other opportunity to speak the language with someone on a daily basis
Look out for movies and music in the language you want to learn
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James Constantine’s Answer

Hello Ajayshia,

Is learning a new language difficult?

Learning a new language can be both challenging and rewarding. The difficulty of learning a new language varies depending on various factors such as the individual’s native language, the complexity of the language being learned, the amount of time and effort dedicated to learning, and the resources available for learning.

Factors Affecting the Difficulty of Learning a New Language:

Native Language: Individuals whose native language is similar to the language they are trying to learn may find it easier to grasp certain concepts due to linguistic similarities. For example, a Spanish speaker may find it easier to learn Italian compared to a native English speaker.

Complexity of the Language: Some languages are more complex than others in terms of grammar, syntax, and vocabulary. Languages with different writing systems or tonal languages may pose additional challenges for learners.

Time and Effort: Learning a new language requires consistent practice and dedication. The more time and effort an individual invests in learning, the faster they are likely to progress.

Resources Available: Access to quality resources such as textbooks, language courses, tutors, language exchange partners, and immersive experiences can significantly impact the ease of learning a new language.

Strategies to Make Learning a New Language Easier:

Immerse Yourself: Surrounding yourself with the language through media, music, movies, and conversations can help improve your language skills faster.

Practice Regularly: Consistent practice is key to language acquisition. Daily practice, even for short periods, can help reinforce what you have learned.

Set Realistic Goals: Breaking down your learning into achievable goals can help you stay motivated and track your progress effectively.

Seek Feedback: Getting feedback from native speakers or language instructors can help you identify areas for improvement and correct mistakes early on.

In conclusion, while learning a new language can be challenging, it is definitely achievable with dedication, practice, and the right resources. The key is to stay motivated and consistent in your efforts to make progress.

Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:

The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL): ACTFL is a leading organization that provides guidelines and resources for foreign language teaching and learning. Their research-based approach offers valuable insights into effective language acquisition strategies.

Cambridge University Press: As a renowned academic publisher, Cambridge University Press produces high-quality language learning materials and research publications that are widely used by educators and learners around the world.

BBC Languages: BBC Languages offers online resources, courses, and interactive tools for learning various languages. Their content is well-researched and designed to cater to learners of different proficiency levels.

GOD BLESS!
James Constantine.
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Simeon’s Answer

Picking up the basics of the language along with some simple sentence syntax is not terribly difficult. You can usually find free courses and resources online. The hard part is getting comfortable enough with the language to read, write, and especially speak the language. Having at least one friend or connection that can speak the language and be willing to practice with you is one of the biggest helps you can get! Spend some time in a place where everyone speaks that language is even better.
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Sansan’s Answer

Hi there!

Learning a foreign language, just like any scholastic learning, requires work, discipline and sacrifices. The difficulty is not in the learning process itself, but in the willingness to do what it takes to learn, or the lack thereof.

To briefly and concisely answer your question, in one hand, I will say that there's a level of difficulty, because there's work to do in order to achieve your learning goal. On the other hand, keep in mind that whatever the level of difficulty, it can be overcome for no challenge which will present itself in your endeavor to achieve your purpose does not have the final say, it's all in your willingness to do whatever it takes to learn the targeted language. You can do it!

Sansan recommends the following next steps:

A lot of language apps freely available to you, such as Duolingo, are good self starters.
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Abgour’s Answer

Hey there !


Honestly, it depends on YOU ! on whether you are strongly willing and motivated to learn that language or not. It is true some languages are harder than others, but the degree of their difficulty is seen differently from one person to another as well. Let's say you are so passionate about learning French, you'll find yourself switching your phone/computer language to French, watching shows and listening to music in French, etc. this way, you will learn it even faster than someone who's obliged to and not liking it in the first place !
the only advice I could give you is to disgard what people say about one language being hard and the other unuseful to learn. that usually discourage people and hold them back from learning. if you want to learn Chinese or Italian go for it, you can do it yourself by watching just YouTube, plenty of education videos are just out there for you to take advantage of !


Good luck :)

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