In the age of globalization, language learning gives you a competitive edge. Not only does it boost your personal interactions with others, but it also promotes your professional growth and career advancement.
Learning another language, however, is no easy feat. It requires utmost dedication, consistency, and patience. Otherwise, you might easily become frustrated and eventually give up on your pursuit of learning.
Don’t worry; This page shares some language-learning hacks with you. Read on to learn how to become resilient and successful in your endeavor.
The Importance of Resilience for Language Learning
The world has become a global village. It’s easy to see people communicate with each other, no matter where they are in the world. They engage with one another, whether on a personal level or for business purposes.
That’s why the language market has boomed on a global scale. In fact, its worldwide market could grow from $61.5 billion in 2023 to $300 billion by 2023 at a 20% compound annual growth rate (CAGR).
However, it’s hard to learn words or phrases the right way—more so to speak with others using a language other than your mother tongue. You might probably struggle with your endeavor, whether doing it on your own or taking formal training.
Keep in mind that language learning requires resilience. It all starts with genuine interest and a positive mindset. Then, it demands your willingness to learn, dedication to develop, and the hard work to succeed.
Simply put, you need to be as resilient as possible in language learning. That said, here’s why resilience matters:
Overcome initial frustration and anxiety. Resilience keeps you going, no matter how hard it is to learn a language in the beginning. You just keep going and going!
Establish unwavering confidence and interest. Your resilience mirrors your passion for learning a language and the strength to rise above any challenges. You believe you can do it!
Promote continuous progress and development. Being resilient allows consistent growth in learning a new language by taking baby steps. You just won’t stop!
Ensure successful language learning. Resilience ultimately leads to success in developing and acquiring a particular language. You can now bask in the glory of success!
Achieve personal and professional growth. Being resilient can go a long way in your life. Not only will you use it for personal interactions, but you will also achieve language learning for career advancement. That said, look at the highest-paying foreign languages below:
How To Become Resilient in Language Learning
Language learning is prevalent in today’s globalized world and business landscape. Ling conducted a survey of 2000 respondents in the United States. The survey found the most learned second languages in the country are English, Spanish, Korean, French, and Japanese
Language learning is a skill you can develop and acquire—not something you are born with. That’s why developing and acquiring a second language can be quite alien and difficult for some. Only those who are truly resilient can become successful at it.
Fret not—Here are some effective strategies for you, as reinforced by some business experts:
1. Start with a knack for language learning
Nothing beats people who are interested in learning. This essentially applies to those looking to learn a new language. Start by asking yourself why you’d like to study a second language. Preply survey revealed the top reasons for language learning:
Education (31%)
Cultural understanding (23%)
Travel purpose (14%)
Career advancement (10%)
Practical skill (7%)
Other reasons (12%)
Brooke Webber, Head of Marketing at Ninja Patches, emphasizes the importance of language learning for personal and professional development. However, she believes that “Knowing your purpose can make a world of difference in your language learning. Are you working for clients in other parts of the world or looking to expand your business in another country?”
2. Set realistic and achievable goals
It’s crucial to ask this valid question: What’s your goal for language learning? You must be clear on what you hope to achieve from this. Whether self-study or formal training, establish your SMART goals:
Specific: Learn basic Nihongo expressions for an upcoming Japan trip.
Measurable: Pass the IELTS to pursue a nursing career in the U.S.
Achievable: Improve business writing skills in English for work.
Relevant: Learn Mandarin for a cultural immersion in China.
Time-bound: Complete a Korean language course in three months.
Jonathan Feniak, General Counsel at LLC Attorney, recommends setting SMART goals for language learning. “This is the secret recipe for success in learning a second language. Your goals will guide you in your journey and push you further. They make you more responsible and accountable for reaching those goals and aspirations.”
3. Create a fun learning environment
Effective learning happens when it’s filled with excitement and enthusiasm. Make your language training fun and interactive, or look for a program with such a vibe. Likewise, set up an environment conducive to language learning, whether in school or at home.
Learn from Jarret Austin, Owner of Bankruptcy Canada. He argues, “Language learning doesn’t necessarily have to be dull and boring. You have to make it fun, exciting, and engaging. That way, you can quickly and easily learn and acquire the language!”
4. Employ varied language learning methods
When it comes to language learning, you can either have a self-study or enroll in a language program. However, your language learning resiliency and success lies in your learning approach. So, whether informal or formal training, choose the following methods:
Traditional methods: You can take an elective course in English, Spanish, Japanese, or Chinese in College. You can also visit a language center and enroll in one of their classes. Here, you’ll learn a language through cognates in a typical classroom setting.
Modern approaches: You can take an online language course since the web offers a goldmine of learning opportunities. You can also have self-study, whether through actual conversation, playing online games, or leveraging the best language-learning software.
5. Establish a support system in place
Learning is more effective when shared with others. It’s best to have a support system in place for your language learning in particular. If you want to become resilient in language learning, work with the following people:
Mentors or teachers: When enrolled in a language program, your language success lies in the hands of your mentors or teachers. Learn as much as you can from them!
Colleagues and peers: It’s best to engage with your colleagues or peers with whom you can speak the language. Remember, using the language itself is key to proficiency!
Family and friends: Of course, they will always support you in your language development. So, whether you’re at home or with your friends, converse with them using the language!
Nora Sudduth, founder and owner of Nora Sudduth Consulting, suggests developing language skills with mentors and colleagues. “While you can learn so much from your teachers, you can practice the language with your peers. Such a great combination can bring out your best as a communicator.”
6. Have constant practice and utmost patience
Cliche as it may seem, practice makes perfect—and this practically applies to language learning. Practice, practice, practice. Whether honing business writing skills or enhancing personal verbal communication, you should always use the language.
Keep in mind that language learning doesn’t happen overnight. It takes months or even years of constant practice. In fact, it requires the following:
Consistency: Be consistent in attending your language training session or schedule a regular time for self-study. For example, express yourself with proper pronunciation using the language almost daily. You’ll be surprised at how you can eventually speak the language effortlessly.
Patience: Stay resilient in learning a language other than your mother tongue. Understand that it can be very difficult at first until you get the hang of it. Remember, being patient despite the challenges eventually leads to success!
7. Embrace mistakes as learning opportunities
Language learning doesn’t call for perfection; However, it demands constant practice. This means making mistakes over and over again until you develop and acquire the language skills.
Take it from Jeffrey Zhou, CEO and Founder of Fig Loans. He advises the power of committing mistakes and learning from them to succeed. He claims that this idea applies to language learning.
Zhou explains, “Most successful people in the world make several mistakes before they succeed. They aren’t afraid to commit errors and will do whatever it takes to rise above them. Until they become adept at what they do—or speak for this matter.”
8. Foster a growth mindset for learning
It’s essential to continue learning the language to be proficient and excellent. You might still face a language learning stagnation even if you’ve already developed and acquired it. In fact, Preply cited some of the most common reasons people stop studying the language:
However, Sabas Lin, CTO at Knowee, recommends fostering a growth mindset in language learning. He says that languages are ever-changing and ever-evolving. “If you want to be proficient at it, you must keep learning and growing. Practice the language almost every day of your life—it then becomes permanent and natural for you.”
Final Words
Language learning is an educational pursuit you must consider. For one, you can use it for personal interactions, whether for social media engagement, friendly pursuits, or actual traveling. Likewise, you can leverage it for professional growth and career advancement in today’s globalized world.
However, language learning requires unwavering resilience. It demands interest, willingness, and passion to learn, as well as dedication, consistency, and hard work to succeed. Consider the expert strategies recommended above, and you’ll be successful at learning and acquiring a new language!
