5 Common Difficulties When Learning Languages and How to Solve Them

Learning a new language can improve your memory, hone your creative thinking, and sharpen your mind. It does have a lot of benefits, but regardless of your motivation for learning a second language, you’ll likely face some obstacles along the way.

With the most common barriers, there are some tried and tested tips you can use to help with your learning journey. So when it’s time to take Korean classes, you’re ready to ace it.

1. Missing in Listening

It may be annoying to listen to something repeatedly and feel like you’ve made no real progress. Generally, it’s common to make mistakes the first time you listen to your learning materials. After that, it’s a tiresome process for many.

So, try listening to recordings of native speakers speaking or interacting in your target language as often as possible. Having a complete and immersive experience or environment lets you pick up the language so much quicker.

Create some audio content that you can listen to while traveling or at home. It can include documentaries, movies, TV shows, or YouTube Videos. Make sure they have subtitles or anything that will let you connect the sounds you hear to their true meaning.

2. Proper Pronunciation and Tone

It might be difficult to muster the confidence to speak a language you are learning for the first time. However, you won’t see any improvement in speaking or pronunciation unless you work up the guts to practice speaking aloud.

It’s a great idea if you can practice your new language with a friend. Since you two are still learning the language, you don’t need to be concerned about seeming foolish while practicing.

You can record yourself while talking if you don’t have a partner. Listening to the recording can help you compare your pronunciation to that of the native speakers’ audio

3. Struggling with Grammar

For many, the most tedious part of learning a language is grammar. But you can focus less on grammar and more on getting a feel for the language’s feel and sounds.

Go ahead and learn more about grammatical organization and structure once you’ve improved your speaking, listening, and reading abilities.

4. Incorrect Semantic Usage

Treading in the unknown can be scary, especially when using the right word in the wrong context. Sometimes people use a word in a way that makes sense, but a natural speaker would never use it.

Instead of studying words isolated from their linguistic context, shift your focus to phrases, especially common sayings. Next, you should significantly increase the amount of time you spend reading and listening to native-language content.

5. Slow Listening Comprehension

Indeed, you can almost comprehend everything when you’re in a classroom environment. But you could find it difficult to keep up with native speakers’ rapid speech.

Watching local media is the best way to get used to their pace. You can try to get a hold of the news and listen to the radio in your target language. Keep listening and attempt to understand the gist of what is being said without worrying about understanding every word.

Talking Like a Native Speaker

Learning a new language is tough, but remember that nothing is impossible in this world. Don’t be hard on yourself, enjoy the silly moments, and don’t worry about failing or seeming foolish. Commitment is what counts!

Featured image: Prostock-Studio, iStock.