Confidence is key for language learning
Someone with a lot of confidence can see their language skills grow quickly.
When learning a new language, there are two important things to get right in order to communicate well.
1. Technical stuff (grammar, vocabulary, syntax)
The first one is the technical part of the language. Which is knowing the grammar, vocabulary and syntax that allows you to express yourself in a way that makes sense. This can be achieved through studying the language, but grammatical knowledge alone doesn't guarantee good communication.
2. Confidence (courage and conviction that you are correct)
The second part of good communication is confidence. Confidence is having courage. Confidence is having the conviction that you are correct. It cannot be touched or measured, but confidence is essential when communicating. Being confident means that you are not afraid to fail. Even if you make a mistake, nothing will stop you from persevering.
Some people are naturally courageous and have no fear of the embarrassment that comes from making mistakes when learning. And while you are learning, the mistakes will come! For some people, their self-conviction is fragile, a small setback will make them stop trying right away.
Low confidence stops you from communicating well, but someone with a lot of faith in themself can see their language skills grow quickly.
The good news is, confidence grows through practice.
If you are trying to learn a new language, practice listening to tune your ears.
Practice conversation with a fluent speaker, so that they can give you feedback to correct your errors.
Nurture your confidence. Don’t expose yourself to television or online content that is way above your level if you are just starting out. That can lead to discouragement.
Also, find a teacher that you trust who encourages you when you make progress. Do classes alone, if you are worried that your friends or colleagues may mock you.
Use your mistakes like a trampoline, as a way to bounce forward by learning from them. Don’t get frustrated by a mistake if you feel embarrassed, remember it so you don’t repeat the mistake next time.
Above all, keep going, persevere. The only way you will improve is by continuing.
Learning a language is a very difficult thing to do. Being able to communicate well, once you get there, is amazing.
Let me know about your language learning journey in the comments below.