Language Learning Myths - What you need to know



Posted: Thursday, November 11, 2010

by Andrew Finan
KLOO Language Games

Watching a DVD about my hero, Mohammed Ali, I was struck by how many opponents were beaten before they even stepped in the ring. They did not believe they could beat the man who floated like a butterfly and stung like a bee. Not only was Ali a consummate boxer – he was also a master at psyching out his opponents. He built up such an aura of invincibility that his opponents no longer believed they were fighting a man – but a sort of superman - one who could not be beat.

Many of us taking on the task of learning a second language are also beaten before we start. Many of us don’t believe we can do it. When we meet multi-linguists from Benelux countries or Scandinavia we believe they have something we don’t – they are somehow genetically better programmed to learn a language. What is more, we have heard, some of the myths that are peddled about language learning (often by English monolinguals). Some of these myths are deep rooted – and if you believe them – they have the awful knack of proving themselves. And yet not one of them is based in any sound scientific fact.

Dispelling Myths

So let’s dispel these myths and cut them down to size. Let’s make sure that you are not beaten before you even start.

Myth 1

Myth 1: It is impossible to learn a second language after a certain age.

Untrue. Whatever your age, if you want to learn, you can learn. The best time to start learning is now...

Myth 2

Myth 2: Children are much better at learning second languages than adults

Untrue. Children and adults learn languages differently. Research has shown that given the right materials and language input, adults can learn just as well as children and, furthermore, in some aspects of language, outperform children.

Myth 3

Myth 3: A child can only be taught by a teacher or a native speaker

Untrue. Children can learn from a parent who is not fluent. The important aspect is that the parent is available to learn alongside their child and interact. Fluency is not necessary.

Myth 4

Myth 4: Learning technical grammar is a pre-requisite to mastering a second language.

Untrue. Children have learned a language perfectly well without ever knowing the technical grammatical components of it. Some experts believe that excessive focus on grammar can actually impede learning.

Now we have dealt with some of the myths it is time to step inside the ring and start learning. Language is not a breeze but it can be done and there are just three important factors for success. Here they are.

Firstly make time. Secondly use the right tools. Thirdly believe.

This Article has been viewed 187 times. (Not updated in real-time.)
No comments yet.
We want your comments! If you can read this, you don't have javascript enabled, so you can't use this comment system. Please enable javascript.