The main mistakes to avoid when learning a new language

Learning a foreign language can be one of the most difficult and stressful things anyone can go through. You will have to learn new ways to pronounce the letters and produce the correct sounds that words make. Of course, you will also have to remember the meaning of each new word you learn.

Certain mistakes will also make the whole learning process more difficult. What are the main mistakes that can make it more difficult for you to learn a new language? Read them below:

Trying to memorize all the grammar rules.

Grammar is important in any language. However, regardless of the language, grammar will always be difficult for non-native speakers. Use the correct tenses, gerunds, infinitives, etc. They are useful if you are going to write academic essays or professional emails. But if your main goal is to communicate in preparation for a trip abroad or to just master the basics, don’t worry too much about this. You will always feel anxious whenever you get down to work to study.

Being afraid of making mistakes.

There is no way that someone learning a new language can avoid making mistakes. Mistakes are simply part of language study. However, one of the biggest mistakes any student can make is not trying for fear of failure. Don’t be afraid to speak the new language, even in public: any mistakes you make just show what you could work on more. See every mistake as a positive step toward your learning goals.

Overthinking the rules.

Native language speakers don’t have to think much while speaking, as the language becomes almost an instinctive response and even a feeling. Rules are essential to speaking correctly, but you shouldn’t treat the language experience like a mathematical formula that you have to memorize so that you can always give the right answers. Linguists say that you should always speak to your intuition whenever possible and keep grammar rules in mind, but don’t rely on classifying them every time you use the language.

Losing the drive to learn.

Lastly, many students get excited about learning a new language and have their biggest push early on. This feeling of enthusiasm, which often accompanies the beginning of the language learning process, should certainly be welcomed. However, students may find it difficult to maintain this momentum, especially after the first few months of school. Linguists say a helpful tip would be to focus on what you enjoy: studying topics that apply most to your interests. If you like food, learn more vocabulary related to gastronomy. Watch a movie or go to a cultural fair once in a while to remind yourself why you also started learning the language in the first place.