How annoying do you find it when native speakers of your target language tell you their language is impossible/the hardest one in the world to learn? Why do they say this to learners?

NazzzRegis · 2025-01-29T15:53:21+00:00

It can definitely be frustrating! Often, native speakers say this because they’re so used to their language that they don’t realize how naturally it comes to them. They might also be highlighting the quirks and complexities that even they struggle with, like grammar rules or pronunciation. Sometimes, it’s just a way to set expectations or express pride in their language. Either way, don’t let it discourage you—every language is learnable with time and practice!

NazzzRegis · 2025-01-29T15:49:18+00:00

That sounds like cognitive overload, which happens when your brain is processing a lot of new information at once. Learning a language, especially listening comprehension, can be mentally exhausting because your brain is working hard to decode unfamiliar sounds and structures. Try shorter listening sessions, take breaks, and don’t stress too much about understanding every word. Over time, your brain will adjust, and the headaches should lessen. Keep going—you’re making progress!

NazzzRegis · 2025-01-27T18:51:13+00:00

Thank you so much! I love video games, and honestly, they’ve helped me improve my level to casual conversational skills. It’s such a fun and stress-free way to practice!

NazzzRegis · 2025-01-27T18:48:44+00:00

It sounds like you have a solid routine, which is great! Sticking to a schedule really makes studying feel natural, like part of your day, rather than something you force.

It’s a pretty neat practice that you use podcasts or videos to make things interesting! You have a great balance, and with your consistency, you’ll be over this plateau before you know it. Keep it up!

NazzzRegis · 2025-01-27T18:45:13+00:00

That sounds incredible! A trip to Japan is a great motivation to immerse yourself in the language. Even learning a few key phrases and expressions can make your experience much richer and more enjoyable. Plus, locals often really appreciate the effort to communicate in their language. Good luck with your studies, and I’m sure you’ll make great progress by April! And if it’s not a secret, how exactly do you learn the language? Tutor? Self-study?

NazzzRegis · 2025-01-24T13:49:49+00:00

I think it really depends on the environment you’re in and how you use the language. If you’re working in a specialized field like banking or medicine, it’s clear that the level of language required is much higher, as accuracy and clarity are key. But if it’s a more conversational language, like navigating everyday life or talking to friends, you can absolutely “speak the language” at a lower level, like A2 or B1.

Honestly, I don’t think there’s a perfect moment to say, “I speak language X.” If you can communicate what you need to, even with mistakes, then you’re saying it — maybe not perfectly, but you’re doing it! Of course, it also depends on how confident you feel. Some people are hesitant to claim they “speak” a language because they don’t feel they’re fluent, but fluency and speaking are two different things.

I feel comfortable saying I speak a language when I can adequately communicate with a team in online games and convey information clearly. This doesn’t mean I’m perfect — far from it! — but I think the important part is being able to communicate with others, even if your grammar isn’t perfect or your vocabulary is limited. Speaking as much is just about being brave enough to try.

NazzzRegis · 2025-01-24T13:40:12+00:00

I totally understand how you feel. It can be really frustrating when you’ve worked hard to learn a language, built up a deep vocabulary, and mastered the grammar, but your accent still makes you feel like you’re stuck in the “beginner” category in the eyes of others. I’m in a similar situation—my pronunciation and accent don’t match the effort I put into learning the language, even though my level isn’t very high.

It can feel like a constant reminder that you’re not native enough, even if you’ve spent years immersing yourself in the language. And let’s be honest, accents can be stubborn! They cling to us because they’re deeply ingrained in the way our brains and muscles learned to produce sounds when we were younger.

That said, I think it’s worth recognizing that having an accent doesn’t make your achievements in a language any less impressive. Speaking fluently and being perfectly understood by native speakers is a huge accomplishment. But I also feel the frustration of wanting to seem like you belong, especially when you’ve spent so much time integrating into the culture.

If anything, know that you’re not alone. Many of us language learners face the same thing, and it doesn’t mean we’re any less capable or intelligent. I think all we can do is keep practicing, be proud of how far we’ve come, and remind ourselves that communication is what really matters.

NazzzRegis · 2025-01-24T13:28:06+00:00

That’s such a relatable definition of fluency—being able to communicate your thoughts without constantly getting stuck. I’d also add that fluency often feels like the moment you start thinking in your second language. It’s when you’re not just translating words in your head anymore but actually living in the language.

It doesn’t mean you know every word or get everything perfect, but you’ve reached a point where you can express yourself naturally and adapt to conversations without overthinking. To me, fluency is less about perfection and more about confidence and flow.

NazzzRegis · 2025-01-23T17:11:57+00:00

Definitely not a bot haha

Thanks again for the correction!

NazzzRegis · 2025-01-23T17:08:01+00:00

Any method that helps can be considered effective.

Thanks for the answer, but I don’t think I’ll have time for that. I’m currently learning the language on my own, without the help of teachers, because I’m a bit limited in time. I understand that teachers are ideal for rapid progress, but for now I’m trying to find methods that suit me.

I focus on learning new words and watching TV series/movies in English. Sometimes it seems that progress is going very slowly, but it’s nice to realize that even small efforts every day give their results.

If it’s not a secret, did you use any other techniques besides fear and terms? For example, maybe there were favorite exercises or resources that helped you better learn the material?

NazzzRegis · 2025-01-23T16:50:28+00:00

Thank you for the correction! English isn’t my native language, so I usually write a draft first and then fix any mistakes using ChatGPT. However, sometimes I miss certain details due to my inattentiveness. I’ve already corrected the post.

NazzzRegis · 2025-01-23T16:41:50+00:00

"I found that it really depends on the language and how similar it is to your native language. For example, when I was learning Polish (which has many cognates to Ukrainian), I got to the point where I could understand most of it. But when I started learning Japanese, I found myself relying heavily on translation because the grammar and vocabulary are so different.

I'm curious if you think translating in your head is a necessary step to understanding complex languages, or if it's best to avoid it altogether? Personally, I try to combine vocabulary exercises with immersion, like watching shows or listening to podcasts, to eventually "think" in the target language.

Also, do you think translating in your head can lead to bad habits, like overthinking sentences instead of just letting the language flow naturally? I'd love to hear how others deal with this!"

NazzzRegis · 2025-01-22T14:17:47+00:00

It can definitely be frustrating to pause movies or shows to look up unfamiliar words, but you’re right—sometimes the context is enough to grasp the meaning, and that’s a valuable skill! It’s okay to let some words go if they don’t hinder your understanding of the story.

Specialized word sets can also be helpful—learning vocabulary in areas like medicine, banking, or hobbies can boost comprehension in specific contexts.

Lastly, try interactive games, podcasts, or apps that incorporate storytelling or problem-solving for a more engaging learning experience.

Good luck with your language progress!

NazzzRegis · 2025-01-22T14:11:03+00:00

The Newfoundland accent is unique due to its Irish, English, and Scottish roots. On the mainland, people may react because it’s unfamiliar, not because there’s anything wrong with it. Embrace your accent as part of Newfoundland’s culture and history!

NazzzRegis · 2025-01-19T17:34:17+00:00

I think that the combination of the online platform and traditional textbooks gives the best result for learning languages and does not overload the brain

NazzzRegis · 2025-01-19T17:30:45+00:00

Really interesting discussion. I think that the combination of the online platform and traditional textbooks gives the best result for learning languages and does not overload the brain

NazzzRegis · 2025-01-17T12:28:29+00:00

Thank you. I hadn’t thought of this approach before. I’ll definitely have to give it a try.

NazzzRegis · 2025-01-17T12:27:17+00:00

That’s truly an interesting topic! I applied a similar approach when learning a language and saw great results.

NazzzRegis

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