{"id":5897,"date":"2017-08-09T07:33:29","date_gmt":"2017-08-09T11:33:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/language-news\/?p=5897"},"modified":"2020-10-01T12:25:25","modified_gmt":"2020-10-01T16:25:25","slug":"when-learning-a-language-dont-take-the-path-of-least-resistance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/language-news\/2017\/08\/09\/when-learning-a-language-dont-take-the-path-of-least-resistance\/","title":{"rendered":"When Learning a Language, Don\u2019t Take the Path of Least Resistance"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u201cWelcome to the human condition. We tend to do that which is easiest, often to the neglect of that which is best.\u201d \u2013Thomas Oppong<\/a><\/p>\n

\"path<\/p>\n

The path of least resistance may be shorter, or simpler, or more fun. For the casual learning picking up a few phrases for a vacation, that\u2019s probably good enough. But when it comes to learning<\/em> a language in a more meaningful sense, promises of \u201cfast, easy, and fun\u201d should set off a warning bell. Acquiring a language doesn\u2019t need to be an impossible, miserable marathon, of course, but it\u2019s worth investing more time, more effort, and more serious commitment to achieve a higher level of proficiency.<\/p>\n

When it comes to learning a language, don\u2019t choose the path of least resistance. Choose the path of most results.<\/h3>\n

Get comfortable with being uncomfortable.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Doing hard things helps us improve\u2014from running sprints to lifting weights to having conversations with native speakers. Learning a language is all about putting yourself out there<\/a>, stumbling over tricky pronunciations, talking in circles around words you can\u2019t remember, and making other embarrassing mistakes. The path of least resistance might be to ask if someone speaks English, simply point to a menu item, or rely on Google Translate. But the more productive path would be to ignore those options and fumble your way through a conversation or food order until it gets easier the next time.<\/p>\n

Stop looking for shortcuts.<\/strong><\/p>\n

You can\u2019t learn a language in 10 days, or 30 days, or in any measurable amount of time. We are biologically wired to look for the easiest way to get something done, but a language isn\u2019t something that can be \u201cdone.\u201d Instead of looking for the easiest way, look for the most efficient way. In a formal classroom situation, we believe that\u2019s DABL<\/a>. For self-study, develop a solid routine of study, application, and review. Invest the time, be consistent<\/a>, and take breaks<\/a> when you need them, but don\u2019t waste time looking for a magic bean solution.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t play games.<\/strong><\/p>\n

We don\u2019t literally mean games\u2014playing games releases dopamine which can help you stay motivated when learning. That\u2019s always a good thing in our book. But don\u2019t always fall for what\u2019s \u201cfun.\u201d Learning ridiculous phrases like \u201cthe bears have bicycles\u201d is amusing, but it\u2019s the easy way out. Logging in to an entertaining app every day doesn\u2019t necessarily equate to meaningful progress. If you want to be able to use the language when you need<\/em> it, learn the things that matter<\/a>: correct pronunciation, tones, irregular verbs, medical vocabulary, whatever it may be that your field requires.<\/p>\n

Take the words of Albert Einstein: \u201cIt’s not that I’m so smart, it’s just that I stay with problems longer.\u201d<\/strong> Stick with language learning for the long run and watch as you distance yourself from those who took the shorter, easier path.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"\"path

\u201cWelcome to the human condition. We tend to do that which is easiest, often to the neglect of that which is best.\u201d \u2013Thomas Oppong The path of least resistance may be shorter, or simpler, or more fun. For the casual learning picking up a few phrases for a vacation, that\u2019s probably good enough. But when…<\/p>\n

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