Which language should I study? This is one of the most common questions amongst language learners. Often, we’re torn between choices. For example, you may love the sound of French, but Chinese might seem more practical. In this blog post, I’ll share my thoughts on how to determine which language you should learn, balancing motivation with obligation, and the prospect of learning more than one language at a time.
The Role of Motivation in Language Learning
If you’re learning a language for leisure, determining which language to learn is rather straightforward. Choose the language that excites you most. Choose the language that you are the most motivated to learn. Motivation can come from anything – a desire to connect with a culture, an upcoming trip, a newfound love for content produced in a certain language, or even just curiosity.
However, this motivation needs to be strong. Language learning takes time and dedication, and those who find success are often driven by a deeper, more personal motivation.
To illustrate this point further, let’s talk about my experience learning Korean. I’ve attempted to learn Korean multiple times. My initial motivation to learn Korean was its similarity to Chinese and Japanese. However, this reason alone wasn’t strong enough to keep me interested in the language. Traveling to Korea, on the other hand, not only restored my motivation, but gave me a stronger connection to the language. Though I have found Korean difficult…
Sometimes You Don’t Get to Choose Which Language to Learn
Motivation is one of the biggest factors in language-learning success. Even when language-learning is not a choice, motivation matters. If your job requires German, you’ll be learning German. Although there’s no ambiguity in choosing which language to learn, obligation does not guarantee success.
In Canada, for example, French is often forced upon English-speaking students simply because it’s an official language. Unfortunately, this doesn’t always create enthusiasm for the language. Without a genuine interest in the target language, the process becomes more arduous and ultimately less effective. The challenge for learners is to find something about the language that they are truly interested in, a relationship to the language that extends beyond obligation. If you’re able to do this, you’ll likely feel more joy in the process and be inspired to continue.
Where Can I Find Motivation to Learn a Language?
Your motivation can come from anything that sparks your interest. Find compelling content in the language that you’d like to learn. For example, I have a bookshelf full of books and CDs in multiple languages. These materials captured my attention for different reasons at different points in my life.
Motivation changes. It’s important to constantly follow your interests and adapt as they change. Right now, I’m focused on Polish because of an upcoming trip. I’ve also been spending a lot of time on Danish for the same reason. A trip to the country is one of the best motivators you can have. However, your motivation could also be a person, a book, a film, or even a new podcast that grabs your attention.
Once you find what excites you, you’ll keep coming back to the language. This will build a connection with the target language on a personal level. When deciding which language to learn, consider your other interests.
Should You Learn More than One Language?
Now, what if you find this personal connection with more than one language? Should you study two languages at the same time? Well, again, this depends on your circumstances and your reasons for pursuing these languages.
If you focus on one language, you’ll progress faster. Time may be especially important for those who have to learn a language by a certain deadline. However, learning two languages can keep things interesting and allow you to frequently refresh your interest in each. Jumping between languages when one starts to feel stagnant can give you more clarity regarding your progress and what draws you to each language.
Sometimes, a change in pace is exactly what you need. If you’re hitting a wall with one language, picking up a second language, even just temporarily, can reinvigorate your energy for both. While many strive for fluency, there’s value and enrichment in exploring a language as well.
Deciding which language to learn does not have to be a permanent commitment. You can always return to your original language with fresh motivation and a new sense of accomplishment. Language learning is not a linear process; it’s ongoing, and any exposure is valuable. No time spent learning a language is ever wasted.
Final Thoughts: Trust Your Instincts and Enjoy the Process
So, which language should you learn? If you’re required to learn a language for work or study, you already have your answer. However, try to find a more personal connection with it to keep yourself engaged. If you’re lucky enough to have the freedom to choose which language to learn, trust your gut. Go with the language that excites you most at that moment.
If the motivation dips, adapt accordingly. Find new content, meet new people, or search for a different book to reinvigorate your interest. Try another language altogether and come back refreshed and ready to pick up where you left off.
In the end, language learning should be enjoyable. Don’t be too hard on yourself. As Lomb Kato, a Hungarian polyglot, once said, “A language learned imperfectly is still a language learned.” There’s no downside to exploring new languages, even if you don’t master them all. Follow your interests, stay motivated, and enjoy the journey.
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