It's Not That You Can't Learn a Foreign Language; You're Just Browsing the Wrong 'Supermarket'
Have you ever had this experience?
On a whim, you decide to learn a new language. You download three apps, bookmark five video compilations, and buy two books. For the first week, you're all fired up, feeling like you're about to become a bilingual whiz.
But three weeks later, your apps lie untouched on your phone, gathering dust on your books, and you're back to square one, only knowing '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 problem is, 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 how to cook.
Would you rush into a huge supermarket, buy all the exotic spices, vegetables, and meats off the shelves, and then stare at the pile of ingredients, feeling clueless?
Of course not. That sounds absurd.
What would a normal person do? You'd first find a simple, reliable recipe. For example, 'tomato and egg scramble.'
Then, you'd only buy the few ingredients needed for that recipe: tomatoes, eggs, spring onions. Next, you'd follow the recipe step by step, once, twice, until you can make a perfect tomato and egg scramble even with your eyes closed.
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, bewildering 'language supermarket,' getting overwhelmed by countless 'best methods,' 'quick-fix secrets,' and 'must-have apps.' Ultimately, they're paralysed by too many choices and come back empty-handed.
So, forget that 'supermarket.' Today, we're only going to talk about how to find your first 'recipe' and whip up a delicious 'linguistic feast.'
Step One: Figure Out Who You're Cooking This Dish For
Before you start cooking, you'd first consider: Who am I making this meal for?
- For your family's health? Then you might choose light, nutritious home-cooked meals.
- For a date with your beloved? Then you might challenge yourself with refined, romantic Western cuisine.
- Just to feed yourself? Then a quick and easy 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 with no diners, and you'll quickly lose enthusiasm.
"Because French sounds cool" or "because everyone's learning Japanese" – these are just dishes that look appealing, not ones you truly want to make.
Take five minutes to jot down your answers:
- Do you want to communicate seamlessly with family abroad? (Family Bonding Dish)
- Do you want to understand the original movies and interviews of your idols? (Fan's Feast)
- Or do you want to confidently make new friends in a foreign land? (Social Gala)
Stick this answer somewhere you can see it. When you feel like giving up, it will remind you that someone is still waiting for you to serve dinner in the kitchen.
Step Two: Discard Those 'Gourmet' Biases
Someone always tells you: "Cooking requires talent, you don't have it." "Chinese cuisine is too complex, you'll never learn it." "You can't cook good food without a Michelin kitchen."
Do these statements sound familiar? Now, replace 'cooking' with 'language learning':
- "Learning a language requires talent."
- "Japanese/German/Arabic is too difficult."
- "You'll never learn well if you don't go abroad."
These are the biases of laypeople. The truth is, with clear recipes and fresh ingredients, anyone can cook a decent meal. You don't need to be a 'language genius,' nor do you need to immediately fly abroad; you just need to start getting your hands dirty.
Step Three: Pick Just One Good Recipe, Then Master It Thoroughly
Now, back to our core principle: Don't browse the supermarket; find a recipe.
There are too many language learning resources, which ironically become a distraction. A beginner's biggest pitfall is using several apps simultaneously, memorising vocabulary one moment, practising listening the next, and then drilling grammar. This is like trying to cook three completely different dishes at once; you'll only end up flustered and your kitchen will be a mess.
Your task, at first, is to choose one core resource. This 'recipe' needs to meet three conditions:
- Engaging: The story or pictures in the recipe itself are very appealing to you.
- Clear and Simple: The steps are clear, the language is simple, and it doesn't leave you baffled.
- Visually Appealing: The layout and design make it pleasant to use.
It could be a high-quality app, a classic textbook, or a podcast you really enjoy. Whatever it is, commit to using only that for at least a month. Squeeze out every bit of its value, just like you'd master tomato and egg scramble to perfection.
The True Goal: Not Following Recipes Your Whole Life
Remember, a recipe is just your starting point.
You practice tomato and egg scramble not to eat tomato and egg scramble your whole life, but to master fundamental skills like controlling heat, seasoning, and stir-frying.
Once your fundamentals are solid, you'll naturally start experimenting: a little less sugar today, add some capsicum tomorrow. Slowly, you won't need recipes anymore; you can freely experiment with existing ingredients and create your own delicious dishes.
And in language learning, the ultimate deliciousness is sharing it with others.
When you learn to cook, the happiest moment is seeing the joyful expressions on your friends' or family's faces as they eat your food. Similarly, when you learn a foreign language, the most wonderful moment is connecting with a real person using that language, sharing thoughts and smiles.
This is the feast we ultimately want to taste, the reason we endure the kitchen smoke (the tedium of learning).
But many people get stuck at the last step. Their 'culinary skills' are quite good, but out of nervousness or fear of making mistakes, they don't dare invite others to 'taste.'
At this point, a good tool is like a friendly 'culinary guide.' For example, Intent, a chat app with built-in AI translation, discreetly hands you the most suitable 'seasoning' (words and sentences) at the dining table with your foreign friends. When you get stuck, it can give you a helping hand, allowing the conversation to flow naturally and turning practice into genuine friendship.
So, stop fretting over that huge 'language supermarket.'
Turn off those distracting apps, find your first 'recipe,' and clearly define who you're cooking this dish for.
Then, prep your ingredients, light the fire, and cook.
The world's grand dining table awaits you, ready for you to bring your signature dish.