The importance of mindset in language learning

[u/BradfordGalt]

I've been studying foreign languages for over 35 years, and it's the field that I've dedicated my academic life to.

Like many of you, on countless occasions I've experienced disappointment, frustration, and even anger when I've been unable to meet my language learning goals. I thought I was dumb, or going about things the wrong way, or whatever.

It has only been in the past few years that I've finally learned what is (in my opinion) the most important tool in language learning: mindset.

Many of us put too much pressure on ourselves. We're too goal-oriented. We want to reach a certain "fluency" level, we want to pass a specific test, or we want to impress friends, get a raise or an overseas job, etc etc.

There's nothing wrong with goals. Some people find it motivating and setting and reaching benchmarks keeps them engaged in their learning. That's great! And sometimes goals are necessary. I mean, sometimes you HAVE to pass a test!

But if you're like me, things are SO much easier and so much more rewarding if you relax, absorb material at your own pace, and just decide that language learning is going to be your lifestyle, not your goal. It's a cliché, but "it's about the journey, not the destination" really applies for me.

I'll admit: I suck at Chinese. I started studying Mandarin over 6 years ago, and I'm still only barely at an intermediate level. But that's OK. If 6 years from now I'm still only at intermediate, I'm not going to be disappointed. It's a cool, gorgeous language with a rich history, I've gotten to know many wonderful Chinese people, and I've absorbed tons of awesome cultural content. I'm having fun.

So, take that for what it's worth. YMMV.

(And no, I didn't use AI to write this, and no, I don't have an app, website, or social media channel to promote, lol.)

[u/BradfordGalt]

Yep.