Language learning myths

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There are a lot of myths surrounding language learning, many of which people might actually have been taught as genuinely helpful when learning a new language. Here are 9 of those myths that people tend to believe as the truth.

1. Listen to the language enough and you will learn it. Learning a language involves using it in many forms, such as speaking, listening and reading. You can�t get by with just doing one of these and hoping that you will develop an all-round new language, because your ability will become very limited
2. Language is just a lot of vocabulary that can be memorized. Language also heavily involves grammar, syntax and idiom, and understanding the ways in which certain language is used. One of the most difficult aspects of a foreign language to grasp is humour.
3. There is a direct translation between each language. Many people think that every English word has a direct equivalent in a foreign language, which is quite untrue. For example, the words 'a' and 'the' do not even feature in Russian or Finnish. Each language is separate, and not just a variation on a theme.
4. People should start by learning the basics. When learning a language at school, students are taught the basics, such as ordering a drink or asking for directions, when in reality they should be given a broad overview of every aspect of the language to cover them in all walks of life.
5. Learners should develop their language personally. Not true. Relying on the student to 'pick up' the language as they go along is not a very reliable technique, as there is no guarantee that they will gain a balanced view of the language.
6. Ignore grammar, just focus on learning vocab. Grammar is crucial to any language, and is the framework into which vocabulary can be implemented. What use is knowing a full dictionary of words if you have no idea how to use them?
7. Find a technique that works for you and don�t deviate. It seems like a reasonable suggestion, but learning a language will take a lot of different techniques and systems so that you gain a broad knowledge of the language instead of a narrow-minded view. Don't just practice speaking the language, but also spend time listening and reading it.
8. Learn a language by visiting the country. Again, this will help, but you are limiting your development. You can learn just as much from a native speaker in your home language, and with such diversity in the UK, there shouldn�t be short supply of teachers if you are wanting to, say, learn German.

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