If you are struggling to learn a second language, there are many resources that you can use on your language-learning journey.
Today, I’m going to talk about mindset and language-learning apps.
How do people know if there is a mindset issue with language learning?
Everyone is different; however, there are things that people commonly tell themselves when they are struggling to learn a second language.
For example, some people feel anxious in a classroom, struggling to stand up or speak. It is a bit like a fear of public speaking when you must present at work, although, with language learning, you don’t have the background knowledge you do with your job. You feel like you are working in the dark as everything is different.
Other people worry or get embarrassed because they might say something stupid or lack confidence in social situations. They feel judged.
Some people believe they can’t speak a language because they aren’t good enough.
Perhaps they had terrible experiences learning at school.
Or maybe this may be triggered by comparing themselves to the fastest or best student speakers in the language-learning classroom. If you don’t get any praise from the teacher, this confirms how you are feeling. The result is low confidence and low self-esteem.
When these negative thoughts and feelings become overwhelming, you feel like giving up, and some people do.
Low confidence, low self-esteem, and self-limiting beliefs can be a massive barrier to personal development.
What can help?
If you have decided to give up classroom teaching and want to go it alone, or if you want to continue with your classroom work but need additional help, there are three things you can do.
- Know what your ‘why’ is. Why do you want to learn a second language? Is the reason big enough?
- Get professional help with mindset issues from a counsellor, coach or hypnotherapist.
- Boost your self-learning with language learning apps.
What language-learning apps can I use?
Today, I recommend five language learning apps. However, new apps are coming onto the market daily, so keep looking for new examples.
It’s worth mentioning that I am not affiliated with these apps. My clients recommend them or have good reviews. I have also briefly checked them out.
- Jumpspeak is an AI learning app that involves actively speaking, whether you are a beginner or a more advanced learner. The complete programme is divided into writing, listening, and speaking. One bonus is that you can slow down the speed of the conversation. The AI tutor also gives you feedback.
- Duolingo is a very popular language-learning app that’s free to use. It’s a good app because it keeps you motivated, so you keep returning to learn more. Twenty minutes a day is recommended. However, as you become more experienced, you may find that you don’t agree with some of the answers it gives, as there are many different ways to speak a language. For example, Spanish is spoken differently by South Americans and Spanish people. It’s easy to use. However, you need additional resources or a teacher to help you become fluent in the language.
- Bussu. This app offers step-by-step language lessons and is free to use. However, it’s a visual app, so you must keep using your phone or laptop, which means you might get distracted by notifications.
- Language transfer. This app is an audio app, so it’s great for people who go for a walk or want to listen while relaxing. You listen to a teacher and a student talking as the language learning progresses. One downfall is that there are a limited number of lessons.
- Anki. This app is great for increasing vocabulary. It uses flashcards with pictures and spelling to help you memorise words. As an added bonus, you can also use it to help memorise other things in your life, like people’s names.
These apps are good, but depending on your struggle with your language learning and how advanced you are, using an exchange language platform might suit you better.
Hellotalk is an exchange platform where you can speak to someone who wants to learn your language; in return, you learn the language you wish to speak. There is a free version, but you might spend much more time discussing your language than the second language you want to learn. The paid version uses teachers of that language, so you will get more of what you want.
How does therapy help?
Counselling helps you talk through your difficulties and change your negative self-talk. It may take several weeks and bring up other problems impacting your life.
Hypnotherapy is much faster and uses the power of your subconscious mind to change your negative thought patterns and suggest new ways of learning. It also helps you to relax and enjoy learning.
In conclusion, there are two areas to consider when learning a language. First, consider the methods and resources available to suit your needs. Second, consider your mindset because negative thinking and beliefs will impact your learning.
Hi, I’m Linda from Awaken the change. I offer a unique programme to help adults struggling to learn a language. I don’t teach vocabulary, grammar, or specific things about a country’s culture; instead, I help with mindset issues because this is the key to unlocking one’s learning potential.
Why choose my service?
I have a good idea of the difficulties you may be having.
I have been a student studying another language, and I trained as a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) teacher many years ago, so I have seen many students struggle. Consequently, I believe I understand the process of learning a second language and the problems some students experience.
I am also a qualified counsellor, hypnotherapist, and coach, so I have the experience and skills to help you with your mindset.
You can book a free consultation online to learn more about hypnotherapy, counselling, and my unique language-learning programme.
