3 bad excuses that keep you from learning English

“I’m too old”, “I don’t have time”, “I’ll never be perfect” – there are so many negative ideas swimming around in our heads about learning another language. Which of these ideas are true, and which are just myths? Here, we examine some of the commonly held ideas about language learning.

“I don’t have a natural talent for languages”

We often hear that some people “are good at languages” or “have greater aptitudeBegabungaptitude for language learning”, while others just don’t have the same talent. But it’s not quite that simple. Language learning doesn’t rely on a single skill, but makes use of a whole set of brain skills, such as memory and the ability to recognize patternMuster, Strukturpatterns and to distinguish different sounds. While it’s true that these abilities vary from person to person, having these brain skills does not guarantee that someone will learn another language more easily. Researchers have found that motivation is just as important as aptitude or intelligence. 

“I’m too old”

In our 20s, we have (or had) a big advantage in learning: neuroplasticityNeuroplastizitätneuroplasticity – the brain’s ability to form new connections. A younger brain can process information faster and store it better. We lose this neuroplasticity as we age. But, despite age-relatedaltersbedingtage-related changes, the brain’s capacity for adaptationAnpassungadaptation and learning persistfortbestehenpersists throughout life. In fact, the latest research suggests that new brain cells form in the memory centres of the brain well into old age. And one of the best ways to support your brain is to learn something new – so it’s a win-win! 

“I don’t have time to learn”

We often claim we don’t have time for things, while also somehow spending hours binge-watchunentwegt fernsehenbinge-watching trash TV (ifml.)seichte Fernseh­sendungentrash TV or doomscrolling (ifml.)endloses Konsumieren von schlechten Nachrichtendoomscrolling on our phones. If you’re motivated to learn, you can probably find a little bit of time in your busy week. The good news is that “little and often” is better than long sessions. Find ways to integrate some language learning into your daily life, like listening to Spotlight’s 15-minute podcast, English, please!, while sorting the laundryWäschelaundry. For more ideas, see “10 minutes a day” in Spotlight 2/26.