It's Not That You Can't Learn a Foreign Language; You've Just Been Browsing in the Wrong 'Supermarket'
Have you ever had this experience?
Inspired to learn a new language on a whim, you download three apps, save five video playlists, and buy two books. In the first week, you're brimming with enthusiasm, feeling like you're about to become a bilingual elite.
But three weeks later, the apps are quietly lying dormant on your phone, your books have gathered dust, and you're back to square one, only able to say "hello" and "thank you".
Why is it so hard to stick with learning a foreign language?
The problem isn't that you "lack language talent" or "aren't trying hard enough". The issue is that we've been using the wrong approach from the very beginning.
Learning a Foreign Language is Like Learning to Cook
Imagine you want to learn to cook.
Would you rush into a massive supermarket, buy every novel spice, vegetable, and cut of meat on the shelves, then stare dejectedly at a mountain of ingredients?
Of course not. That sounds absurd.
What would a sensible person do? You'd first find a simple, reliable recipe. For instance, "Scrambled Eggs with Tomato".
Then, you'd only buy the few ingredients that recipe calls for: tomatoes, eggs, and spring onions. Next, you'd follow the recipe step-by-step, once, twice, until you could make perfect scrambled eggs with tomato in your sleep.
Learning a foreign language follows the same principle.
Most people fail not because they don't buy ingredients (don't download apps), but because they dive headfirst into that huge, dazzling "language supermarket", getting drowned by countless "best methods", "quick-fix secrets", and "must-have apps". Ultimately, they become overwhelmed by too many choices, ending up empty-handed.
So, forget about that "supermarket". Today, we're just going to talk about how to find your first "recipe" and create a delicious "language feast".
Step One: Be Clear Who This Dish Is For
Before you start cooking, you'd first consider: who is this meal for?
- For your family's health? Then you might opt for light, nutritious home-cooked meals.
- For a date with your beloved? Then you might challenge yourself with exquisite, romantic Western cuisine.
- Just to feed yourself? Then quick, simple instant noodles might suffice.
This idea of "who you're cooking for" is your core motivation for learning a language. Without it, you're like a chef without diners, and you'll quickly lose your passion.
"Because French sounds cool" or "because everyone else is learning Japanese" – these are just dishes that "look appealing", not what you truly want to make.
Take five minutes and honestly write down your answer:
- Do you want to communicate seamlessly with family abroad? (A dish for loved ones)
- Do you want to understand your idol's original films and interviews? (A fan's feast)
- Or do you want to confidently make new friends in a foreign land? (A social banquet)
Stick this answer somewhere you can see it. When you feel like giving up, it will remind you that there are still people in the kitchen waiting for you to serve dinner.
Step Two: Discard the Prejudices of the 'Gourmets'
Someone always tells you: "Cooking requires talent; you can't do it." "Chinese cuisine is too complicated; you'll never learn it." "You can't make good food without a Michelin-starred kitchen."
Do these statements sound familiar? Replace "cooking" with "language learning":
- "Language learning requires talent."
- "Japanese/German/Arabic is too difficult."
- "You'll never learn properly unless you go abroad."
These are the prejudices of amateurs. The truth is, with a clear recipe and fresh ingredients, anyone can make a decent meal. You don't need to be a "language genius", nor do you need to fly abroad immediately; you just need to start doing it.
Step Three: Pick Just One Good Recipe, Then Stick With It
Now, back to our core point: don't browse the supermarket; find a recipe.
Too many resources for language learning actually become a distraction. The biggest pitfall for beginners is using several apps at once – one minute memorising vocabulary, the next practising listening, then brushing up on grammar. This is like trying to cook three completely different dishes simultaneously; you'll just end up flustered, with a messy kitchen.
Your task, especially in the beginning, is to choose just one core resource. This "recipe" needs to meet three conditions:
- Engaging: The story or images within the recipe itself are appealing.
- Clear and Understandable: The steps are clear, the language is simple, and it doesn't leave you baffled.
- Pleasing to the Eye: The layout and design make it comfortable to use.
It could be a high-quality app, a classic textbook set, or a podcast you really enjoy. Whatever it is, please use only that resource for at least a month. Extract all its value, just like you perfected those scrambled eggs with tomato.
The True Goal: Not to Follow Recipes Forever
Remember, a recipe is just your starting point.
You practise making scrambled eggs with tomato not so you can eat them for the rest of your life. It's so you can, through that practice, master the fundamentals like heat control, seasoning, and stir-frying.
Once your fundamentals are solid, you'll naturally start experimenting: a little less sugar today, maybe some green peppers tomorrow. Slowly, you won't need recipes anymore; you can freely experiment with available ingredients, creating your own delicious dishes.
And with language learning, the ultimate delight is sharing it with others.
When you learn to cook, the happiest moments are seeing the happy expressions on your friends' or family's faces as they eat your food. Similarly, when you learn a foreign language, the most wonderful moments are connecting with a real person using that language, sharing thoughts and smiles.
This is the feast we ultimately want to savour, the reason we endure the kitchen grease (the drudgery of learning).
But many people get stuck at the final step. They've developed decent "cooking skills", but because of nerves or fear of making mistakes, they don't dare invite others to "taste" their efforts.
At this point, a good tool is like a friendly "culinary guide". For example, the Intent chat app has built-in AI translation. It's like, at the dinner table with your foreign friend, it discreetly passes you the perfect "seasoning" (words and sentences). When you get stuck, it can give you a helping hand, allowing the conversation to flow naturally and turning your practice into genuine friendship.
So, stop fretting over that massive "language supermarket".
Turn off those distracting apps, find your first "recipe", and be clear about who this dish is for.
Then, start prepping your ingredients, light the hob, and cook.
The world's grand dining table is waiting for you to take your seat with your signature dish.