TL;DR
Most learners struggle to reach fluency due to unrealistic expectations. They compare themselves to native speakers, fear mistakes, and expect their target language to feel like their native language. To achieve fluency, shift your attitude, embrace mistakes, and immerse yourself in compelling input.

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. Why compare your grasp of a language to someone who’s been immersed since childhood? Mindset is critical when learning a language. Instead of aiming for perfection, focus on motivation, personal 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 actually 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. 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. 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, 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 attempting 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.

FAQs

1. How long does it take to become fluent in English?
This depends on individual circumstances (experience, native language, etc.) and how much time you engage with English each day. However, overall, the more you listen and read, the faster you’ll progress.

2. Should I try to sound like a native speaker?
Aim to communicate clearly and express yourself naturally. Over time, your accent and vocabulary will improve, but I wouldn’t emphasize native-like pronunciation as a goal.

3. How do I stop being afraid of making mistakes?
Treat mistakes as part of the learning process. Each mistake you make is an opportunity to learn and refine your skills.

4. Why do I still struggle to express myself even after years of study?
“Study” is a broad term in this context. Fluency comes from thousands of hours of exposure. If you’re not immersed in the language, it’s possible to devote lots of time without making much progress.

5. How can I think in English instead of translating?
The goal is to make the language automatic. To do this, you’ll need massive amounts of listening and reading. Internalize the patterns, and let certain expressions and phrasing emerge naturally.