Top 5 Excuses for Not Learning a Second Language
1. I Can’t Learn a Second Language because I don’t Live in Spain
I will be the first to admit that your chances of learning, comprehending and utilizing a second language increase 10 fold if you live in the country for which your target language is spoken, but that should never stop you from at least trying. We are not victims of our surroundings. I retook first level Spanish three times in the USA, in hopes of understanding it, but I learned that for me, without context and practice, it was difficult for me to learn. So I picked up a book in another language, watched videos with the subtitles active, and when I was very motivated, I volunteered as a TEFL teacher in return for Spanish lessons. It was a lovely little intercambio!
2. I’m too Old to Learn a Second Language
There is nothing that astounds me more than hearing someone throw out this illogical excuse – although I’ve done it myself more than once. There is absolutely no proof that I am incapable of learning a second language after a certain age.? Now, there is no argument that the process of becoming proficient will take longer at 32 or 82 yeas of age than if I’m at the young, impressionable age of 2 to 5, but it is not impossible. It only requires me to have a bit more faith and patience in myself, and the world around me.
3. I don’t have a Good Ear
Maybe my hearing is less than ideal, or maybe I am learning in an environment with poor acoustics, whatever my excuse is, I need to move past it. Again, although it may take me longer to acquire the language, I still have the ability to learn it using alternative tools like subtitles, books or flashcards. This is just another mental roadblock in my learning.
4. It’s Genetic
I’ll be the first to admit that my family is horrific at languages. They see a second language and run for the hills in trepidation that they may actually have to learn it. I too, fell into this rut, thinking that I lacked a special gene that provided me the wherewithal to learn, but this couldn’t be farther from the truth. There have been several studies conducted over the years to prove whether there is a link between your genetic makeup and language acquisition, and yes, there does appear to be one; however, should my genes stop me from giving it my best shot? I would argue no. The mind is a powerful tool, and I would suggest we continue to exercise it despite our genetic, physical, emotional, etc handicap. We all make mistakes when we learn something new. It’s all part of the process, so why not embrace it?!
5. I don’t have the Time
How often do you find yourself saying this each day? For me, it’s a mantra I seem to have adopted, as easy to slide out of my mouth as “copious amounts of chocolate are good for me”. Granted, I still like to believe the latter is true, but the fact is, is that our “time” is constructed by us. If we truly want to learn something knew, we need to “make” time. Maybe it means you get up an hour earlier, or go to bed an hour later. Maybe instead of watching “Damages”, you switch your TV over to the Spanish channel. Or, if you want my trick, read the BBC in Spanish every morning, and if there is a word (or many many many words) you don’t know, go to the English side and read the same article. It works wonders!!
In the end, humans create excuses for ourselves all the time. It comes easy, and its more convenient than actually changing our perceptions to embrace a new habit. If you truly want to learn Spanish, or any language for that matter, realize that there will always be roadblocks; you will always make mistakes; and your rate of acquisition is only as fast as we dedicate ourselves to the subject.
But beyond all else, have fun! Who cares if you can only sputter a couple words on a good day. You tried and that is half the battle!
Saludos,
Gabriella Opaz
Flickr attribution to: el_monstrito
Tags: excuses, learn langauges, learn spanish, second language, spain, spanish
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Hola. I just wanted to let you know that your blog makes me smile and laugh. I discovered it today. This piece in particular strikes a cord. I’ve been trying to learn Spanish for the past four years. Well, trying probably isn’t the most appropriate word. I’m good at the wishful thinking and buying books/language learning aids parts, but less so at using them. Anyway, I’m just outside Barcelona now – Vilassar de Mar to be precise: 32 degrees, sunshine, warm breeze. Unfortunately my flight home is tonight
. The good news is that this week in Cataluyna has energised me and I’m ready to learn (Castellano that is, Catalan isn’t a realistic prospect for me at the moment). I’m looking foward to reading more of your blogs. Gracias y hasta luego.
Angela,
I couldn’t be happier that you enjoy this blog, nor could I be more elated that you want to buckle down and learn Castellano. As mentioned, we all have mental blocks and conditioning that keeps us from obtaining our dreams, regardless of what variety or shape they come in. For me, it takes a community of gentle and like-minded people who are willing to both encourage and support my dreams. With your new found motivation, I trust you can easily make the baby steps necessary to accomplish yours as well. If you ever need an article directed at anything in particular, please drop a line and let me know. I’d be happy to encourage your efforts! Good luck!
There’s just no way I could learn a second language.
Hi! You’re wrong, Martin – just make the first step and TRY! I gonna tell you my own story. When I was a child, I was learning Russian at school. It was obligatory in Poland during the years of communism… Then, my parents sent me to the lessons of German. It was ages ago, but I’m still able to communicate in these two languages in basic situations. I wish, I had been more dilligent:)) In the secondary (high) school I started to learn English and… I’ve never stopped to try to be more fluent in your language (to write a comment in the blog, for example:)). When I was 41 (!) I started my adventure with Spanish. After first six months I passed the exam for Nivel Inicio at Cervantes:) And I do continue. Just for fun. You should see the faces of the people in a bar in Spain, while a blonde-haired and blue-eyed man is speaking Spanish!
So, it’s never too late. And – last, but not least, I’m not so talented… It is enough to find a power in your mind. Good luck!
[...] = Speaking Spanish! Why yes, yes it does. So tackle the problem head on by first getting an intercambio (language [...]
It was nice to see that I wasn’t the only one to use these excuses….and probably more! I think my favorites were the “too old” and the “genes” excuses. After I stopped focusing my energy into why I couldn’t learn spanish and into why I could and should learn spanish, I have surprised many, including myself, with how quickly I am learning. This just gives me more motivation and becomes a positive circle of learning. Thanks.
Dawn, it is beyond a simple pleasure for me to encourage you, it is almost a duty for me. As I am horrific at studying languages, there is nothing more that I can possibly do than encourage others to not be like me
The excuses I pan out to myself are impressive, creative, and completely unnecessary. However, as a community, its easier to move through the false messages to embrace what you truly want. Hopefully together we can do that. Buenas suerte!
“You’re wrong, Martin – just make the first step and TRY!”
Oh, I’ve tried. I would like to. But I already know seven, and any new language I start to learn inevitably becomes my eighth.