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 letters and produce the correct sounds that words make. Of course, you will also have to remember the meaning of each new word you will 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, the grammar will always be tricky for non-native speakers. Use the correct tenses, gerunds, infinitives, etc. They are useful if you are writing academic essays or professional emails. But if your main goal is to communicate in preparation for a trip abroad or to master just the basics, then don’t worry too much about this. You will always feel anxious whenever you get down to business to study.

Being afraid of making mistakes.

There is no way 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 only show what you could work on more. View each mistake as a positive step toward your learning goals.

Overthinking the rules.

Native language speakers don’t have to think much while speaking as language becomes almost an instinctive response and even a feeling. Rules are essential to speaking correctly, but you should not treat the language experience as a mathematical formula that you must memorize so that you can always give the correct answers. Linguists say 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.

Lose the drive to learn.

Lastly, many students get excited about learning a new language and have their greatest drive right from the start. This feeling of enthusiasm, which often accompanies the start 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 that a useful tip would be to focus on what you like: study 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.