How to Overcome Your Fears to Learn a Language

Learning a new language is a difficult task for many. Whether you choose to find a language school or learn English online, it’s a challenge. If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to speak French or another language, you may have postponed signing up because of your fears. Here are some tips to help you overcome those concerns.

Don’t Overthink Things

When you try to figure out each word you want to say before you speak, you end up not saying anything. To learn French or any other language, you just have to speak. This doesn’t mean you must compose an entire speech in the language you’re learning, but it does require you to talk to others.

Don’t Be Afraid to Make Mistakes

Yes, you will say the wrong thing at some point. Everyone who learns a language has the same experience. If you’re around supportive people who want to help you, they’ll just brush it off and keep going. Someone may take you aside and explain what you said incorrectly. Instead of being embarrassed, use this as a learning opportunity. If you do, you won’t make the same mistake again.

Let Others Know You’re Learning

Don’t apologize for not understanding what others are saying. Instead, ask them to slow down. It’s perfectly find to say that you are learning English. Don’t hesitate to ask someone to repeat what they said or to reiterate their words. This ensures you understood what was said and helps avoid misunderstandings.

Don’t Give Up

It’s important to keep trying even when you aren’t sure what you’re saying or what others have said. The only way to get good at a language is to practice it often. To learn French in Toronto, you must spend time around French-speaking people. To practice English in Montreal, you’ll have to become friends with English speakers.

For many, the idea of making new friends who speak a different language compounds the problem. They are afraid that others will laugh at them or misunderstand their conversation. To avoid potential issues, be honest right up front. Tell others that you are learning a new language and would like to speak with them in that language. Most people will be willing to help you if they understand the situation.

Take It Slow

Overcoming your fears of learning a new language won’t happen overnight. Be willing to take small steps and deal with each concern as it comes. For instance, you may begin by researching French classes in Toronto or English classes in Ontario.

You may decide to find a friend online and email or chat with each other to help you practice the language. These steps help you get to the point where one day you can speak confidently in your new language.

No matter what language you are learning or want to learn, don’t let fear prevent you from taking the next step. Realize that everyone who has ever followed the same path has had the same fears. You can overcome them just as others have.

Berlitz provides language course and language classes in Toronto with private or group lessons. English and French classes and courses allow students to learn a new language in 10 days.

Berlitz provides language classes in Toronto with private or group lessons. English and French classes and courses allow students to learn a new language in 10 days. http://www.berlitz.ca/websites/main/home