Why Have I Stopped Learning a Foreign Language? A Deep Dive

I always had a fondness for Spanish but never made the effort to learn it. When my daughter was preparing to choose a second foreign language after English, the prospect of Spanish appealed to her. Eager to continue her journey, I decided to join her this time, blending our experiences. However, further research revealed that German was more beneficial in terms of utility, and it had a more supportive environment at her school. Consequently, she chose German, which she later excelled in for her maturity exam, leaving me with the regret of not accompanying her on her Spanish learning journey. Such is life.

Is it Laziness?

The real reason is often rooted in laziness, disguised as other psychological factors such as frustration, occasional depression, or a desire to avoid doing anything. These excuses are merely distractions from the primary issue at hand.

Real Motivations and Barriers

Why do I say that? I do use Spanish and try to stay in practice. For German, I practice a little due to its usefulness. I have already picked up some French. When there's a need, I might use YouTube videos to do the basics. In a pinch, Google Translate is always available. However, the fact is that I stopped investing in more serious learning because I lack the consistent motivation and opportunities to use the language.

Apps and Language Learning

Apps like Duolingo and Rosetta Stone often claim that learning a language can be both easy and fast. For many, this is true initially, but at a certain point, it becomes a serious endeavor that requires effort and consistent practice. If you do not have the opportunity to use the language in practical situations, the task can feel pointless, despite the benefits for your cognitive development and future potential needs.

The challenge of becoming proficient in a language, especially in speaking, can be immense. A native speaker has had almost 24/7 exposure for their entire life, including during their dreams. As a learner, you might spend only a few hours a week in class or through self-study, making rapid progress in comprehension easier than in speaking. It's truly remarkable how quickly people learn a language, given the right motivation and talent.

Conclusion

While the digital age provides us with many tools and resources, the key to language learning lies in consistent effort and practical application. Without the drive to use the language in real-life situations, the benefits of learning it might seem elusive. It's time to reflect on our reasons for learning languages and take the necessary steps to ensure we achieve our goals.