Overcoming Language Learning Struggles
Embracing Progress Over Perfection
I have been learning Spanish (seriously) for about two months now. I find it unbearably embarrassing that my one-year-old nephew can roll his R’s better than me. What’s A girl to do? Since high school, I have attempted to learn Spanish on and off again and always failed at properly rolling my R’s. It seems that this time around, it is no different. Why do I keep trying?
Facing Mistakes Head-On
We have all been there, whether in language learning or some other endeavor. When we learn something new or revisit a lost hobby, mistakes are inevitable. These mistakes can take a toll and convince us that we should give up. Of course, if we give up, we will never overcome these obstacles, and our confidence will take a hit with every obstacle we surrender to. There are many reasons to keep going when you feel like throwing in the towel.
Separating Feeling from Fact
My reason is me. High school was over ten years ago, and I still can’t roll my Rs. Instead of taking on the mindset, ‘Nothing has changed, and I’ll never be able to do it,’ I understand that though the language has not changed, I have. In truth, I have learned (and sometimes still need to be reminded) to separate feeling from fact. You can feel like nothing has changed, but reality may reflect something different.
Too often, we let our feelings overshadow our accomplishments. Being stuck on a grammar point and lacking in reading ability or pronunciation is no reason to discredit yourself. Learning takes time and is not linear.
My Journey with Rolling R’s and Beyond
I shouldn’t say that I ‘can’t’ roll my R’s because I am much better than before. I can tell you confidently that if the R is at the beginning of a word, I got it. (The R’s in the middle give me the most trouble.) R’s aside, in the last 2 months, I’ve comprehended more than I ever did in the past. I pick up on words quickly, and my accent isn’t too bad. I did not magically pick up these skills overnight. Studying Korean is a huge factor in my current Spanish-speaking ability.
As I said before, I am different now. I understand the challenges of learning and sticking to a new language. I also understand how amazing it feels to connect with someone who doesn’t speak your native language. Honesty, after spending so much time in Korea struggling to learn Korean, Spanish is less intimidating. I can’t say for certain that it is, it may just be my confidence talking. I have become confident in my ability to learn new languages.
Turning Struggles into Strengths
No matter the struggles you take on, you can overcome them. Keep going! It is important to improve in areas you lack and hone your skills, but do not lose confidence. Don’t be so focused on your perceived problem that you are incapable of seeing progress in other areas. You may struggle with vocabulary, but did you notice that your pronunciation flows easily? Maybe you struggle to get the words out but can eavesdrop on a conversation with natives effortlessly. Your struggles are not an accurate representation of your abilities.
Progress Isn't Always Visible—But It's Always There
If you’ve ever struggled with a specific language skill—or any skill—remember that progress isn’t always visible right away. Take a moment to reflect on how far you’ve come, even if it feels like a small step. Share your own language-learning journey or a personal struggle you've overcome in the comments. Let’s celebrate the progress together and remind each other that growth is worth every effort!
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