"resolutions" or core structures?
Language learning tip of the week:
If you learn core structures, you'll be unstoppable. By core structures, I mean common vocabulary and grammatical structures for communicating everyday needs—for both statements and questions.
Bruce Lee is quoted saying, "I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times." One kick may not be enough, but a handful of kicks that you know really well will help you go far.
Not only will this approach make you a more effective speaker (the phrases you most often need to use will roll off your tongue without thinking), you'll also have an easier time picking up on any nuanced spins that native speakers might put on the very structures you know so well.
Of course, there's something to be said for being exposed to many things in the target language, but be sure to focus on learning a few things very well.
This week's language learning tip happens to tie in nicely with the topic of New Year's resolutions. I prefer the idea of "core structures" within your year as opposed to "resolutions." After identifying your core areas of focus, you can begin to establish core structures. A simple example of a core structure could be going to sleep on time so that you can wake up on time and do important things before life starts disrupting your rhythm—if it's important, have a structure to get it done early so you don't have to worry about it.
What sets successful language learners apart from people who quit is just that. Some quit, and some don't. It's hard, but that doesn't mean it has to be complicated.
Structuring your year around core areas of focus is helpful, and having your language training be one of those core areas is imperative for it to happen. Is the early morning the only time you have for quiet, focused language practice? If so, wake up early and do it early. Not a morning person? Become one. Don't underestimate your biology's ability to adapt to anything.
KEEP IT SIMPLE.
I recommend having a small handful of things you plan on focusing for the year—write them out, and glance at this list in some form every day (ideally, your daily calendar will reflect it).
Trying to do too many things is a surefire way to ensure none are done successfully—at least not to the level you envisioned at the start of the year.
Assuming that language learning is on your list of core areas to focus on for the year, make sure that it's specific, answering these questions:
"What language will I learn? Is there a specific dialect I'm focusing on?"
"What do I want to be able to do in that language, and how will this be measured?"
"Why do I want this?"
Once you have the specific vision identified, reverse-engineer how YOU will realistically use each day to move yourself closer to making that vision a reality, using questions like these:
"What is the required daily/weekly time commitment I need to give this?"
"What am I doing exactly, and how am I doing it?"
"How can I make this a fun, enjoyable part of my life and NOT just a means to an end?"
Learning anything new is often irritating and uncomfortable. While you almost certainly won't enjoy every second of learning a foreign language (anything worth doing has hard moments), answering this last question is critical because language learning is a marathon, not a sprint. Lastly, remember that building habits is hard at first, but you can grow to love them once they're set.
Identify your core areas of focus for the new year approaching, and make 2025 the best year of your life.
Thank you for reading.
—Thomas