Stop Rote Learning English – Have you ever thought that learning a language is actually more like learning to cook?
Do you ever feel this way?
You've spent months, worn out countless vocabulary books, and know grammar rules off by heart. Yet, when you actually want to say a couple of sentences, your mind goes blank, and after a long struggle, all you can manage is still "Fine, thank you, and you?"
We always tend to think that learning a language is like building a house: you first have to stack up bricks (words) one by one, then cement them together (grammar). But the result is often that we've hoarded a huge pile of building materials, yet we can never quite build a house fit for living in.
Where's the problem? Perhaps, we've been thinking about it the wrong way from the start.
Your language learning is just "Prepping Ingredients," not "Cooking"
Imagine learning to cook an authentic foreign dish.
If your method is to memorise the recipe word for word, and remember the exact grammage of every ingredient down to the last detail, do you think you could become a master chef?
Most likely not.
Because real cooking is far more than just following instructions. It's about feeling, it's about creation. You need to understand the characteristics of each spice, feel the changes in oil temperature, taste the flavour of the sauce, and even know the story and culture hidden behind the dish.
Learning a language is the same.
- Words and grammar are merely your "recipe" and "ingredients." They are fundamental, they are necessities, but by themselves, they cannot create deliciousness.
- Culture, history, and ways of thinking – these are the "soul" of the dish. Only by understanding these can you truly "taste" the essence of a language.
- Speaking and interacting is your "cooking" process. You might cut yourself (say the wrong thing), struggle to control the heat (use the wrong words), or even create a "culinary disaster" (make a fool of yourself). But so what? Every 'failure' is helping you understand your 'ingredients' and 'kitchen equipment' better.
Many people struggle to learn a language precisely because they're always "prepping ingredients" but never actually lighting the fire and "cooking." They treat language like an exam they need to get through, rather than a joyful exploration.
How to Upgrade from "Ingredient Prepper" to "Gourmet"?
Changing your mindset is the first step. Stop asking "How many words did I memorise today?" and start asking "What interesting things did I do with the language today?"
1. Stop Hoarding, Start Creating
Stop obsessing over collecting word lists. Try using three words you've just learnt to make up a fun little story, or describe the view outside your window. The key isn't perfection, it's "using." Only by putting the language into practice will it truly become yours.
2. Find Your "Kitchen"
In the past, wanting to "cook" might have meant moving abroad. But now, technology has given us a perfect "open-plan kitchen." Here, you can "cook" language with people from all over the world, anytime, anywhere.
Tools like Intent, for instance, were born for this very purpose. It's not just a chat app; its built-in AI real-time translation acts like a friendly "sous-chef." When you get stuck or can't recall a word, it immediately gives you a hand, allowing your conversation with foreign friends to flow smoothly, rather than grinding to an awkward halt over a minor vocabulary issue.
3. Savour Culture, Just Like Fine Food
Language doesn't exist in isolation. Listen to that country's popular music, watch their films, and understand their humour and cultural references. When you 'get' the punchline of a foreign joke, that sense of accomplishment is far more real than getting high scores in an exam.
4. Embrace Your "Failed Creations"
No one can cook a perfect dish on their first try. Similarly, no one can learn a foreign language without ever saying a wrong word.
Those words you've misused, the grammar you've got wrong – these are precisely the most valuable "notes" on your learning journey. They leave a lasting impression, helping you truly grasp the logic behind the rules. So, speak boldly; don't be afraid to make mistakes.
Ultimately, the goal of learning a language isn't just to add another skill to your CV; it's to open a new window in your life.
Through it, you'll no longer see dry words and rigid rules, but vibrant people, fascinating stories, and a much broader, more diverse world.
Now, forget that heavy sense of obligation, and start enjoying your "culinary" journey.