Why People Struggle to Learn a Language

Many English learners struggle with fluency despite years of study. With more resources available for learning English than any other language, why do so many learners still feel dissatisfied with their progress? I speak with Jennifer Forrest, an experienced English teacher and founder of JForrest English, about the most common language learning mistakes we face when trying to learn English (or any language) and how we can overcome them.

Mistake #1: Comparing Yourself to a Native Speaker

One common mistake English learners make is comparing their skills to those of a native speaker.

“My students always compare their English to mine,” Jennifer says. “They feel discouraged when their accent or vocabulary doesn’t match mine, but it’s not a fair comparison.”

It’s important to recognize that native speakers have a lifetime of exposure to the language. Mindset is critical when learning a language. Instead of aiming for perfection, learners should focus on progress and communication.

Mistake #2: Fearing Mistakes

Many English learners spend years in academic settings where they are regularly tested and corrected. Constant assessment can hinder our willingness to communicate spontaneously and experiment with the language.

“Many English learners have been assessed their whole lives,” Jennifer explains. “They’re used to being told what’s right and wrong, which creates a fear of speaking and making mistakes.”

This fear can hold learners back from real-world communication, where language is much more flexible than in a classroom. In reality, making mistakes is necessary and a natural part of the learning process.

It seems that people have higher expectations of themselves when it comes to English versus other languages. Unlike learners of other languages, who might be thrilled to say a few sentences in German or Japanese, English learners often feel that anything less than near-native proficiency isn’t good enough. Regardless, in language learning, mistakes are simply (inevitable) opportunities to grow.

Mistake #3: Comparing English to Their Native Language

Another common issue is comparing English fluency to their proficiency in their native language.

“My students often think about how they’d answer a question in their own language,” Jennifer says. “Then, when they struggle to express the same thought in English, they see it as a failure.”

However, fluency develops over time. The more exposure learners have to English, the more naturally their thoughts will flow in the language. Expecting to communicate as easily as in your native language is an unfair and unrealistic expectation.

When we consider how much we’ve read and listened to in our native language, it’s not realistic to expect (at least in the short-term) the same level of fluency in another language. Different languages have different patterns, sayings, etc. Therefore, it’s more logical to continuously deepen your understanding of the target language instead of attempt to use your native language as a reference point.

Jennifer’s Advice for English Learners

Jennifer has helped many students overcome these challenges and improve their English skills. Her approach focuses on two key areas: mindset and meaningful input.

“First, we have to fix their mindset,” she explains. “They need to stop fearing mistakes and judging themselves harshly. Learning should be enjoyable!”

For language skills, Jennifer emphasizes the importance of engaging with content that students enjoy:

“I help my students learn with TV shows, YouTube videos, movies, newspaper articles, and short stories. When learning is fun and natural, it becomes much easier.”

The greater the variety of input, the more comfortable you’ll be in the language. But more than anything else, relax and enjoy the process.

For English learners looking for helpful resources, Jennifer shares lessons on her YouTube channel, JForrest English. She encourages learners to embrace mistakes, seek out interesting content, and enjoy their language journey.