Hi Language Buddy!
I want to share some insights with you on what forward progress in language learning truly looks like. As an experienced language learner myself, I've often grappled with the messy, ambiguous, and decidedly non-linear process that is language acquisition.
For those of you who have not yet emerged from the confusion and difficulty of learning a new language to reach the other side - proficiency and fluency - the whole process might seem mystifying. Until you've actually crossed over to the other side, it can be hard to visualize what lies ahead.
People often assume that language learning progress should be a straight line, steadily moving upwards. However, I can assure you, it isn't so. There will be times when you'll make great strides, and then suddenly feel like you've taken several steps backward. You might even find yourself thinking, "I spoke much better two weeks ago than I do now, and I haven't stopped studying or learning. What's going on?"
There are likely numerous scientific explanations that linguists and psychologists could offer for this phenomenon. From my own experience, though, I can tell you that I've come to understand it well enough to not be alarmed. If you persevere through these fluctuations, you will suddenly jump to another level of proficiency.
This journey is not one that we can control completely, no matter how much we might want to. Speaking as someone who's a bit of a control freak, this fact was hard for me to accept. But I've learned to surrender to the process, trusting that it will work out - and it has, in eight languages so far, with the ninth one on its way!
Even though I've been through this process multiple times, it still remains counter-intuitive for me. The notion that progress comes from embracing messiness, accepting ambiguity, struggling, making mistakes, and enduring periods of doubt and uncertainty is quite challenging to internalize. But then, suddenly, a level jump happens, and it feels incredible!
So, if you're finding the process of language learning non-intuitive, don't feel disheartened. You're not alone. I assure you, if you stick with it, you will make progress, and the moment you reach that next level will make all the struggles worthwhile.
In your language learning journey, remember to embrace the messy, accept the uncertain, and keep powering through. Trust in the process, and you'll be amazed at where you end up. Here's to our shared love of language and the joyous, confounding, but ultimately rewarding journey of learning it!
Take care, and happy language learning!
