Are there times when you don’t feel like learning languages and can’t summon up much enthusiasm about them? When language learning lethargy strikes, in fact.
For me most of August this year was like that – I did use my languages when I had the chance, and spoke quite a bit of French and Welsh, and odd bits of Italian and Irish. I also listened to plenty of foreign language radio, as I often do. I didn’t go out of my way to find opportunities to practise my languages though, and didn’t study at all for almost the whole month. This is unusual for me.
Sometimes I think to myself, “You already speak five languages more or less fluently, and know quite a few others to varying degrees. Isn’t that enough?”, and my usual answer is “No, I want to learn more!”. Recently however, my motivation to learn more has been low and my answer was “Yes, that’s enough for now.”
This month I am re-starting my studies with Czech, and am planning to start dabbling with other languages as well. Yesterday my Teach Yourself Swedish course finally arrived – the one I got for free after attending the Polyglot Gathering in Berlin in May. So I will be learning more Swedish before long.
If you come down with language learning lethargy from time to time, how do you deal with it?
I find that there are “easy” ways to keep up with a language, even when I’m feeling lazy. For example, watching a movie or YouTube video (with subtitles if necessary) in my target language.
Or reading a book I know well in my target language (The Little Prince and Harry Potter are great for that sort of thing).
That way, you are still making progress with immersion, even if you aren’t actively studying.
I agree with Lee-Sean. I find I have to use “easy” ways to keep it up when motivation is just a little bit ‘meh’! It doesn’t always work though. For example, I always feel guilty about Italian as I never give it any time – mainly because I have no particular music or films I love as much as others in different languages. I’m waiting for the Italian Stromae! 😉
The guy who runs the Say Something in Welsh website has written about the powerful benefits of taking considerable periods away from study. He has evidence to show that contant is not good. I’m reminded of the French saying: “Reculer pour mieux sauter”. ( lit:Go back to jump better).
I spend considerable periods of time in Spain and speak the language well but find the intensity of the language all around makes me keener to take time out and, say, read a book in English.
Sometimes I think a little break can make you come back – more refreshed, I guess; sometimes I think a break also gives my mind a chance to process all the information I’ve been shoving into it as well.
Motivation-wise, I agree with Lee-Sean and Lindsay; a little passive immersion is great for those days when you don’t feel like studying. The summer slump is a pain, but since it’s so simple to find a YouTube video or listen to something on Spotify (or pick up a book, on occasion), then I still feel like I’ve accomplished something.
Sometimes my lack of motivation is sheer laziness however, so I have to make sure I open my books, even for only five minutes!
Hi,
Language learning is not easy in the current world because you have now many option in your hand.Especially when you have internet.