Ditch the 'Language Learning Buffet' – Opt for a 'Bespoke Meal' Instead
Are you also like this: your phone is loaded with a dozen language learning apps, your bookshelves are piled high with "From Beginner to Master" guides, and your bookmarks are overflowing with hundreds of tutorial videos? The result? After months of trying, you still only know "Hello, how are you?"
We always assume that the more learning resources, the better, just like rushing into an extravagant all-you-can-eat buffet, wanting to sample every single dish. But the usual outcome is an uncomfortably full stomach, yet you can't recall the true taste of any individual dish.
This 'buffet-style' learning only leads to decision fatigue and the weariness of merely scratching the surface.
In reality, learning a foreign language is more akin to savouring a meticulously prepared 'bespoke meal'. There aren't many dishes, but each one is tailor-made by the chef just for you, allowing you to truly appreciate it and leaving a lasting impression.
Rather than getting lost in a sea of resources, why not create your own exclusive 'bespoke learning menu'? The key isn't how much you possess, but how you truly 'savour' what you have.
Want to become your own 'language chef'? Ask yourself these questions first:
1. Who are you 'cooking' for? (Understand your learning stage)
Are you a novice cooking for the first time, or an experienced gourmand?
If you're a novice, don't fret. There are plenty of 'novice-friendly' resources on the market, just like ready meals with pre-portioned seasoning kits, helping you get started with ease. What you need is clear guidance and immediate feedback to build your confidence.
If you already have some language learning experience, like a connoisseur, you can certainly take on more 'authentic' ingredients. For example, directly watching original films or reading simple foreign language articles. You'll know better how to extract the 'essence' you need from seemingly complex materials.
2. What's your favourite 'flavour'? (Find your preferred method)
Think back: when you've learned things in the past, what approach did you enjoy the most?
- Visual learner? You might prefer watching videos, apps rich in visuals, and comic books.
- Auditory learner? Podcasts, audiobooks, and foreign language songs will be your best companions.
- Interactive learner? You need to learn through practice, such as playing language games or finding a language partner to chat with.
Don't force yourself to learn in ways you dislike. Learning a foreign language isn't a chore; only by finding a method that gets you 'hooked' can you persist.
3. What's the purpose of this 'feast'? (Clarify your learning objectives)
Why are you learning a foreign language?
- To order food when travelling abroad? Then you only need a 'travel crash course package'; learning some basic phrases and common vocabulary will suffice.
- To communicate seamlessly with foreign friends? This will require a 'proper meal'. You'll need to systematically study grammar, build vocabulary, and most importantly, engage in extensive real conversations.
- To understand academic texts in a specialised field? Then on your menu, the main course is 'in-depth reading and specialised vocabulary'.
Different goals mean a completely different 'menu' for you. Clearly defined objectives enable precise choices, avoiding wasted time.
4. What's the most important 'main course'? (It's time to speak up)
No matter how many 'appetisers' you've prepared (memorising vocabulary, learning grammar), ultimately, you must serve the 'main course' – actually using the language.
This is precisely the step many fear the most and are most likely to neglect. We often exhaust all our energy in the preparation phase, forgetting that the ultimate purpose of cooking is to enjoy the meal.
Don't worry about speaking imperfectly. True communication is never a flawless exam. Be brave and speak up; even a simple greeting is a successful 'dish'. You can find a language partner, or use tools that help you communicate easily with people worldwide. For example, chat apps like Intent, with their built-in AI translation, can help you break down language barriers, allowing you to learn authentic expressions while chatting with native speakers, without worrying about getting stuck due to mistakes. This is like a 'sous-chef' always on standby, helping you truly transform the ingredients you've learned into a delicious dish.
So, from today, switch off those dazzling apps and tidy up those dusty textbooks on your shelf.
Stop blindly rushing around in the 'learning buffet'. Settle down and design your own exclusive 'bespoke menu'.
Choose two or three high-quality 'ingredients' that suit you best, then mindfully savour, delve into, and enjoy them. You'll discover that learning a language can indeed be such a wonderful gastronomic feast.