How Motivation Drives Language Learning Success
The Role of “Why” in Language Learning
Learning a language – or really, pursuing anything worthwhile in life – begins with one essential thing: a reason. For me, language learning has been a mix of persistence, curiosity, and plenty of trial and error. I've started learning Spanish more times than I can count, and I even gave French a shot back in high school. Looking back, what really stood out wasn’t just the languages themselves but the "why" behind each attempt.
My Early Language Learning Struggles
If you're like many people in the U.S., you likely didn’t start language learning until high school, often with limited choices. When I first had the chance, Spanish was my only option. Later, I transferred to a new school where French was also offered. Excited to try something different, I dove into French – only to leave with a vocabulary that barely went beyond “je suis Minni” and “je t’aime.” I passed with a B, but let's just say my French wasn't going to take me far.
Discovering the Power of Motivation Through Sign Language
By the time college came around, I began doubting my ability to pick up a second language. But then I was introduced to something entirely different: sign language. In Rochester, NY, where I went to college, there was a large deaf and hard-of-hearing community. Wanting to communicate freely with everyone on campus, I decided to take one sign language class as an elective. By the end of the semester, I'd fallen in love with it. Three classes later, I was fluent enough to receive my sign name – a meaningful acknowledgment in the deaf community – and I could communicate confidently in ways I never expected.
How Motivation Turned an Elective Into a Passion
Sign language became the first language I truly learned. It wasn’t just in my head; I was using it actively in real conversations and even at my first job, where I had a deaf coworker. When people asked how I picked it up so quickly, my response was often, “I already speak English.” But over time, I realized that my motivation made all the difference. I wanted to learn sign language. French and Spanish were required credits, but sign language felt like a bridge into a new world I was eager to understand.
Finding My Drive Again with Korean
The same realization struck me years later with Korean. The drive I felt with sign language came back in full force, but this time with a spoken language I was curious about. I didn’t just settle for basics – I sought out tutors, watched countless YouTube videos, and even flew to Korea to experience the language in context. The reason? I wanted it. I wanted to learn Korean. There was no external pressure, only my genuine interest.
Motivation Looks Different for Everyone
Motivation doesn’t always look like passion from day one. Sometimes, it’s a small spark, and it grows as you get deeper into something. For me, the more I travel, the more fascinated I become by languages and cultures, which feels surprising as an introvert. Your motivation might be as simple as wanting to connect with others, an appreciation for a language’s sound, or a practical reason like work or travel. And all of those reasons are valid.
Reflecting on Your “Why”
Remember that your “why” may change over time. Motivation evolves, just like we do. I encourage you to reflect: what’s your reason for learning a new language or pursuing anything, really? Has it shifted, or are you still guided by the same goal? I'd love to hear what motivates you in the comments!
