You're Not Bad at Learning Languages, You're Just Shopping in the Wrong 'Supermarket'
Have you ever experienced this?
You get an impulsive urge to learn a new language, download three apps, bookmark five video compilations, and buy two books. For the first week, you're pumped, feeling like you're on the verge of becoming a bilingual elite.
But three weeks later, the apps lie dormant in a corner of your phone, the books gather dust, 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 method from the start.
Learning a Foreign Language is Like Learning to Cook
Imagine you want to learn to cook.
Would you rush into a giant supermarket, buy every exotic spice, vegetable, and cut of meat on the shelves, only to get home and stare helplessly at a mountain of ingredients?
Of course not. That sounds absurd.
What would a normal person do? You'd first find a simple, reliable recipe. Like, for example, "Tomato Scrambled Eggs."
Then, you'd only buy the few ingredients that recipe calls for: tomatoes, eggs, green onions. After that, you'd follow the recipe step by step, once, twice, until you could make perfect tomato scrambled eggs 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 giant, dazzling "language supermarket," overwhelmed by countless "best methods," "quick-fix secrets," and "must-have apps," ultimately feeling lost due to too many choices and leaving empty-handed.
So, forget about that "supermarket." Today, let's just talk about how to find your first "recipe" and whip up a delicious "language feast."
Step One: Clarify Who You're Cooking This Meal 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.
- For a date with your sweetheart? Then you might challenge yourself with exquisite, romantic Western cuisine.
- Just to feed yourself? Then quick and easy instant noodles might suffice.
This idea of "who you're cooking for" is your language learning's core motivation. Without it, you're like a chef with no 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 tempting" but aren't what you truly want to make.
Take five minutes and seriously write down your answer:
- Do you want to communicate seamlessly with family abroad? (The Family Connection Dish)
- Do you want to understand your idol's original movies and interviews? (The Fan Feast)
- Or do you want to confidently make new friends in a foreign country? (The Social Feast)
Post this answer somewhere you can see it. When you feel like giving up, it will remind you that someone in the kitchen is still waiting for you to serve dinner.
Step Two: Ditch Those 'Foodie' Prejudices
There are always people telling you: "Cooking requires talent; you can't do it." "Chinese food is too complicated; you'll never learn." "You can't make good food without a Michelin kitchen."
Do these words 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 just amateurish prejudices. The truth is, with a clear recipe and fresh ingredients, anyone can cook a decent meal. You don't need to be a "language prodigy" or immediately fly abroad; you just need to start cooking.
Step Three: Choose One Good Recipe, Then Stick With It Until You Master It
Now, back to our core point: Don't shop around; find the recipe.
There are so many language learning resources that they become a distraction. A common mistake for beginners is using several apps simultaneously—memorizing vocabulary one moment, practicing listening the next, then drilling grammar. This is like trying to cook three completely different dishes at once; you'll just end up overwhelmed, and your kitchen will be a mess.
Your task, in the beginning, is to choose only one core resource. This "recipe" needs to meet three conditions:
- Engaging: The story or visuals of the recipe itself are very appealing to you.
- Clear and Easy to Understand: The steps are clear, the language is simple, and it doesn't leave you confused.
- Visually Appealing: The layout and design make it comfortable to use.
This could be a high-quality app, a classic textbook, or a podcast you really enjoy. Whatever it is, please use only that one resource for at least a month. Squeeze every drop of value out of it, just like you'd perfect your tomato scrambled eggs.
The Real Goal: Not Cooking from the Same Recipe Forever
Remember, the recipe is just your starting point.
You practice tomato scrambled eggs not to eat tomato scrambled eggs your whole life, but to master the heat, seasoning, and stirring techniques—these fundamental skills.
Once your basic skills are solid, you'll naturally start experimenting: a little less sugar today, maybe add some bell peppers tomorrow. Gradually, you won't need recipes anymore; you can freely experiment and create your own delicious dishes based on the ingredients you have.
And with language learning, the ultimate deliciousness is in sharing it with others.
When you learn to cook, the happiest moment is seeing the look of joy 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 savor, after enduring the kitchen grease (the tediousness of learning).
But many people get stuck at the last step. Their "cooking skills" are good, but they're too nervous or afraid of making mistakes to invite anyone to "taste" their food.
That's where a good tool acts like a friendly "culinary guide." For example, the Intent chat app has built-in AI translation. It's like having someone at the table with you and your foreign friend, discreetly handing you the most suitable "seasoning" (words and sentences). When you get stuck, it can give you a hand, allowing the conversation to flow naturally and turning your practice into genuine friendships.
So, stop fretting over that giant "language supermarket."
Turn off those distracting apps, find your first "recipe," and clarify who you're cooking this meal for.
Then, start preparing your ingredients, light the fire, and cook.
The world's grand dinner table is waiting for you to join with your signature dish.