It's not that you can't learn a foreign language; you've just been browsing the wrong 'supermarket'.
Ever had this experience?
You get a sudden urge to learn a new language, download three apps, bookmark five video compilations, and buy two books. For the first week, you're buzzing, feeling like you're about to become a bilingual whiz.
But three weeks later, the apps are sitting quietly in a corner of your phone, the books are gathering dust, and you're back to square one, only knowing 'hello' and 'thank you'.
Why is sticking with learning a foreign language so hard?
The problem isn't that you 'don't have a language talent' or 'aren't trying hard enough'. The problem is, we've been using the wrong approach from the start.
Learning a language is like learning to cook.
Imagine this: you want to learn to cook.
Would you charge into a massive supermarket, buy every weird and wonderful spice, veggie, and cut of meat on the shelves, then stare at the pile of ingredients, scratching your head?
Of course not. That sounds ridiculous.
What would a normal person do? You'd find a simple, reliable recipe first. Like 'Tomato and Egg Stir-fry'.
Then, you'd only buy the ingredients that recipe calls for: tomatoes, eggs, spring onions. After that, you'd follow the recipe step-by-step, once, twice, until you could make perfect Tomato and Egg Stir-fry with your eyes closed.
Learning a foreign language works the same way.
Most people fail not because they don't 'buy ingredients' (don't download apps), but because they dive headfirst into that massive, dazzling 'language supermarket', getting swamped by countless 'best methods', 'quick-fix secrets', and 'must-have apps'. In the end, they're overwhelmed by too many choices and come away empty-handed.
So, forget that 'supermarket'. Today, we're just talking about how to find your first 'recipe' and whip up a delicious 'language feast'.
Step One: Get clear on who you're cooking this dish for.
Before you start cooking, you'd first consider: who are you cooking this meal for?
- For your family's health? Then you might choose light, nutritious home-cooked meals.
- To impress a sweetheart on a date? Then you might challenge yourself with refined, romantic Western cuisine.
- Just to feed yourself? Then maybe quick, easy instant noodles are enough.
This idea of 'who you're cooking for' is your core motivation for learning a language. Without it, you're like a chef with no diners, and you'll quickly lose your passion.
'Because French sounds cool' or 'because everyone's learning Japanese' – these are just dishes that 'look appealing', not what you truly want to make.
Take five minutes, and seriously jot down your answers:
- Do you want to communicate seamlessly with family overseas? (Family Fare)
- Do you want to understand your idols' original films and interviews? (Fan Feast)
- Or do you want to confidently make new friends in a foreign land? (Social Spread)
Stick this answer somewhere you can see it. When you feel like giving up, it'll remind you that there are people waiting for you to serve up a meal in the kitchen.
Step Two: Ditch those 'foodie' prejudices.
There's always someone who tells you: 'Cooking requires talent, you can't do it.' 'Chinese food is too complex, you'll never learn it.' 'You can't make good food without a Michelin kitchen.'
Sound familiar? Swap 'cooking' for 'learning a language':
- 'Learning a language requires talent.'
- 'Japanese/German/Arabic is too hard.'
- 'You'll never learn it properly unless you go overseas.'
These are just uninformed opinions from outsiders. The truth is, with a clear recipe and fresh ingredients, anyone can whip up a decent meal. You don't need to be a 'language genius' or fly overseas straight away; you just need to get started.
Step Three: Pick one good recipe, then perfect it.
Now, back to our core message: don't browse the supermarket, find a recipe.
There are too many language learning resources, and they often become a distraction. A beginner's biggest mistake is using several apps at once – memorising vocabulary one minute, practising listening the next, then drilling grammar. It's like trying to cook three completely different dishes at the same time; you'll just get flustered and end up with a messy kitchen.
Your task, especially at the start, is to choose just one core resource. This 'recipe' needs to meet three conditions:
- Engaging: the recipe's story or pictures really grab you.
- Clear and easy to follow: simple steps, straightforward language, so you're not left scratching your head.
- Pleasing to the eye: the layout and design make it a pleasure to use.
It could be a high-quality app, a classic textbook, or a podcast you absolutely love. Whatever it is, commit to using only it for at least a month. Squeeze every bit of value out of it, just like you'd perfect that Tomato and Egg Stir-fry.
The real goal: Not following a recipe forever.
Remember, a recipe is just your starting point.
You practice Tomato and Egg Stir-fry not to eat it for the rest of your life, but to master fundamental skills like heat control, seasoning, and stir-frying through it.
Once your basic skills are solid, you'll naturally start experimenting: a little less sugar today, maybe some capsicum tomorrow. Slowly but surely, you won't need recipes anymore; you'll be able to improvise with the ingredients you have and create your own delicious dishes.
And with language learning, the ultimate deliciousness is sharing it with others.
When you've learned to cook, the happiest moment is seeing the look of joy on your friends' or family's faces when they eat your food. Similarly, the most beautiful moment when you've learned a foreign language is connecting with a real person using that language, sharing thoughts and smiles.
This is the feast we endure the kitchen fumes (the monotony of learning) for, ultimately hoping to savour.
But many people get stuck at the final step. Their 'cooking skills' might be decent, but because they're nervous or afraid of making mistakes, they don't dare invite anyone to 'taste' their efforts.
That's where a good tool acts like a friendly 'food guide'. Take Intent, for instance, a chat app with built-in AI translation. It's like having it subtly pass you the perfect 'seasoning' (words and phrases) at the dinner table with your international friends. When you get stuck, it can give you a hand, letting the conversation flow naturally and turning your practice into genuine friendship.
So, stop fretting over that massive 'language supermarket'.
Switch off those distracting apps, find your first 'recipe', and be clear about who you're cooking this dish for.
Then, start prepping your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get cooking.
The world's big dinner table is waiting for you to take your seat with your signature dish.