Should you Break Up from Traditional Language Learning Methods?
It's not me, it's you
Learning a a new language is like diving into a relationship: it's exciting, challenging, and sometimes, a bit perplexing.
Try picturing your language learning journey as a romantic affair with traditional methods—those familiar routines of grammar drills, vocabulary lists, and textbook exercises. At first, it may seem like a match made in linguistic heaven, but after a while, the spark begins to fade.
The magic dissipates, boredom sets in, and you find yourself questioning: "Is this really working for me?"
So, let's talk about the looming question: Should you break up with traditional language learning methods?
Just like relationships, language learning methods are not one-size-fits-all. What worked wonders for others might be leaving you unfulfilled. And if that’s the case, it is indeed high time you start exploring other options for you. You do deserve better.
Let’s dive together into the intricacies of linguistic romance. We’ll explore why it might not be working, and discover the liberating alternatives that await you.
The One-Size-Fits-All Myth
The heart of the matter lies in the fact that "one-size-fits-all" programs have long dominated language learning. You may think that in 2024, things will have changed, to which I’ll answer… think again!
This is because despite the myriad of new studies and findings in the field of education, it always takes an enormous amount of time to translate them into actual innovations that can easily be adapted and adopted by educational institutions.
Conventional methods have clung to a standardized approach, operating on the assumption that what suits one learner must suit all. And honestly, wouldn’t it be absolutely great if it was true: teachers could keep teaching the same way, schools could create the same results for all their students and everyone would be given a fair chance at succeeding.
But let's be real—it doesn't work this way.
The truth is, individuals possess diverse learning styles, preferences, and paces. Believing in a single, universal method for every language enthusiast is like expecting every love story to follow the same plot line. It’s limiting, and on a global level, completely damaging as the learners are directly or indirectly being blamed from not being able to learn effectively for lack of seriousness, motivation, implication, or was it video games and social media that had to be blamed now?
Before we take another bite of this BS gaslighting, it's time we unravelled the misconception that has kept language learners trapped in uninspiring routines and therefore leading to failure.
Let’s break up with the one-size-fits-all myth so we can finally open the door to a more personalized, engaging, and effective language learning experience tailored just for you.
Why Are Traditional Methods Holding you Back
Traditional language learning methods have long been tethered to rigid structures, focusing on rules, memorization, and repetitive exercises. It's a system designed for mastery, but in this pursuit, something crucial often gets lost—the joy of communication and self-expression.
Let's break down why these conventional approaches might be holding you back:
1. Performance Over Expression
Traditional methods often transform language learning into a performance-based challenge. The emphasis on correctness and mastery can turn the process into a rigid set of rules, leaving little room for creativity and authentic expression.
Take Duolingo for instance. Despite the appearances of modernisation (it’s an app!), its system is profoundly traditional in the sense that it doesn’t encourage personal expression and communication. Instead, you receive XPs (points) for getting the right answer in several memory-based exercises.
Sure, they have gamified the process of memorizing words and expression and as such, they are opening doors to language learning for more people. Amazing! Playing the game does raise your awareness of the language structure and pronunciation. Great! But tell me, how does learning to say that “my brown bear wears a jeans skirt” help me express myself and communicate my identity in the language I’m learning? It doesn’t.
The focus is on performing and winning the game, creating some kind of obsessive determination for the Type A personalities, but leaving the rest of us uninspired and feeling guilty for not keeping long “streaks” like our friends. And I haven’t spoken yet of how it presses on your fear of making mistakes: every error makes you lose a “heart”. When you’ve lost all your five hearts, you’re in time out.
Literally, you have to wait a few hours until you can play again. Unless you pay the Premium price, of course.
I’m not making a case against Duolingo specifically, but I want to show you the limits of performance-based learning materials, even of the newest ones. They may look like a cute new lover has come along, but really once you start dating, you have a bad taste of your mouth: the deja-vu of school all over again.
The risk then is that a big part of the learners who don’t thrive with this approach will give up. Not only on the method, but on the whole idea of learning a language, as they buy into the story that they must not be cut out for this since they’re not motivated enough like their friends who’ve made the Diamond League.
2. Structure-Centric Learning
The core of traditional methods revolves around the structure of the language—grammar rules, vocabulary lists, and memorization.
While structure is essential, it’s been shown over and over again that exclusive focus on it can turn your language learning journey into a monotonous task, lacking the inspiration needed for genuine engagement.
Yet. Still. When most new learners start a language learning process, they will first and foremost go for this structure-centric, systematic approach of learning because it has been the norm in schools for decades.
Again, certain people love studying in a workbook and completing little tasks, filling in the missing word, etc. I know I certainly do. It gives you a sense of reassurance that you’re doing the right thing, that if you follow the book, the course, the teacher’s instructions, you’ll get your yellow star at the end and will reach your goals.
It’s a bit like the Painting By Numbers Kit, you know? You buy the kit, they send you the paints, the brushes, the canva, and all you have to do is to apply the right color in the right space so you get the right result (kind of). It’s a splendid relaxing activity. In fact I’m doing one right now of a cute panda for my kids’ bedroom.
Am I learning to paint though? Would I be able to do it again all alone? No. Even if I completed hundreds of these Painting by Numbers Kits, it wouldn’t make me an artist. And if I don’t expect to be one, that’s perfectly fine: the Painting-By-Numbers-Kit makers never promised me I would. So we must consider the structure-based approach of language learning just the same way, which is far from being the case: learning a language’s rules and practicing them in a very specific goal-oriented context doesn’t make you an agile user of the language. So let’s stop pretending that it does!
So many language learners who thrive in the classroom with these workbooks and tests can’t seem to be able to form spontaneous speech in the real life.
And the opposite is also true: some learners seem to be pretty fluent when having real conversations in the language they’re learning, yet they can’t complete a simple grammar exercise without feeling like they’re hitting their heads against wall.
In both situations, we have an inadequate learning approach that is standardized in schools everywhere around the world, and learners who are being held responsible for their poor performance. How fair is that?
3. Outcome-Oriented Mindset
The traditional approach tends to prioritize the end result—fluency, proficiency, or mastery. Unsurprisingly, this outcome-oriented mindset often leads to stress and hinders the development of a positive and enjoyable learning experience.
The reason behind it is pretty simple: reaching language proficiency takes a hell of a long time. I’m sorry if this comes as a shocking surprise for you, but it’s the truth. When you think of it, how long did it take you to become “native-like” in your own language? About 18 to 20 years.
I know this will be discouraging to many of you reading this, but we have to keep it real : good things are hard to do, and they take time to master.
How long does it take a drawer to become a very good drawer? I’ve actually asked this question to my husband who is a (prized) comic book artist, and after 35 years of drawing every day and having made this his career, he says he hopes he’ll get there one day.
How many hours of training does it take to become a good humorist?
How long do chefs take to learn to cook the way they cook in their Michelin restaurants?
How many years does a dancer have to train to become a prime ballerina.
What’s the time-gap between the first time a writer starts writing stuff in a notebook and the moment he’s actually a good writer?
The funniest part about how long it takes to master anything worth mastering, is that the moment you stop practicing, you actually lose your skills! Your achievement is never granted forever.
Believe it or not, the point of this paragraph is not to make you drop your dreams of mastery.
You can make them a reality if that’s really really what you want. And it’s also fine if it’s not what you want. Maybe you don’t want to be a French language Master after all. Maybe it’s ok to just be conversational, enjoy movies and books, and deep meaningful conversations with French-speaking friends when you meet them on your annual holiday (Wouldn’t it be cool to have an annual holiday in a French speaking country?)
Most importantly, if the methods and approaches you use to learn the language are goal-oriented, and your mindset is goal-oriented - often that’s the result because we’re conditioned by what we’re taught; then you’re going to feel miserable and incomplete for a terribly long time. You’re missing out on the best part of your language learning experience: the wonderful, rich, profound journey you’re on.
Imagine being in a love relationship with only your goal in mind. What’s the goal by the way? Not dying alone? Growing old together? If every day you live as a couple, you focus on that goal, what kind of conversations and activities would you be having? I’m imagining retirement plans, digging graves next to each other, finding a home near a hospital, inheritance & life insurance issues. Fun! I’m taking the extreme ridicule of this example so you can finally see language learning for what it is : maybe there is no goal at all.
Maybe if you never reach a certain level, it would still be absolutely worth spending every second you spent with the language. But that’s only possible if you get out of the goal-oriented traditional approaches and start exploring the paths of freedom and love.
The Alternative Approaches of Language Learning: Embracing Freedom and Love.
Now that we've identified the constraints, let's explore the liberating alternatives that can transform your language learning experience:
Communication-Centric Learning
The homework is simple : shift your focus from performance to expression.
It’s time to demote your pretty workbooks from “main method” to “casual Sunday crossword” role. Instead, embrace methods that encourage communication, dialogue, and real-world language use. This is what fosters a natural, immersive learning experience. Mindful communication allows for self-expression and a deeper connection with the language beyond mere memorization.
Engage in language exchanges or conversation groups
Journal in the language or write letters.
Join online communities, attend language meet-ups, build a supportive network.
Contextual and Inspiring Content
Instead of fixating on grammar drills and rote memorization, immerse yourself in content that inspires you. Whether it's movies, books, podcasts or music, context-rich material provides a more dynamic and enjoyable way to absorb language nuances. Make sure you also engage your senses and your body, as it enhances memory retention and creates a more holistic learning experience.
Explore movies, podcasts, and literature in the target language (Le Guide du Bien-Être en Français gives you several ideas for French)
Incorporate Multi-sensory Learning, like dancing in Portuguese, meditating in French and cooking in Italian.
Participate in workshops, classes and events that use the language you’re learning but isn’t focused on teaching you the language.
Process-Oriented Approach: Cultivate a mindset that values the learning process over the final outcome. Recognize that each step, no matter how small, contributes to your growth. A process-oriented approach fosters a positive and sustainable learning experience.
Celebrate small victories, view challenges as opportunities to learn
Focus on daily habits, track consistent efforts rather than end results.
Engage with learning materials and opportunities without necessarily being corrected all the time (or at all, if you’re maintaining the language rather than learning it)
By breaking free from the constraints of tradition and embracing a mindful language journey, you open yourself up to a world of possibilities.
Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all solution.
Experiment with these alternatives, discover what resonates with you, and craft a language learning experience that is personal to YOU.
Savor the process, relish in self-discovery, and watch your language skills flourish in ways traditional methods may never have allowed.
The adventure begins
Ready to Embrace a Mindful Language Journey?
Dive Deeper with the French Journal or Re-Connect to French Challenge!
As we’re signing to divorce papers to break free from traditional language learning methods, it's time to usher in a more personalized and mindful approach.
If you're craving a transformative journey where learning transcends the mundane and becomes a truly immersive experience, look no further. The French Journal awaits, a companion crafted to guide you through introspective language exploration.
Or, kickstart your mindful French adventure with the Re-Connect to French Challenge, a free initiative designed to rekindle your love for the language effortlessly.
Break free from the constraints of conventional methods; it's time to embrace a language journey tailored just for you.
[Explore the French Journal] | [Join the Re-Connect to French Challenge]