My 5 Years Language Learning Journey [15 Q&A]

The year 2020 marked my fifth year since I began my language learning journey. When I look back it’s like seeing a chart with its own ups and downs. Honestly, I didn’t know I’d last this long but I guess the combination of hard work, a bit of smart thinking (I think 😁), motivation, and stubbornness do pay off.

I want to make this post a bit different. Instead of making it like a normal blog post, I want to do it in the frequently-asked-questions style. Before I begin, let me tell you this journey of mine doesn’t have a super happy ending yet. This is as realistic as it can get. Therefore, no sugarcoating.

Everyone has their own preference. While some may digest new knowledge faster than others, this is my pace. Let’s start!

1. How do you become interested in language learning?

Entertainment is the major reason. It all started when I was around 12 years old if I’m not mistaken. I used to watch lots of foreign dramas and cartoons. Here’s the list of some of the languages; English, Hindi, Tagalog, Spanish, and Japanese.

When I entered high school, the list had expanded to Korean, Arabic, and Thai.

At this stage, I became interested in language learning, and the first language I set my eyes on was Spanish. That was in 2008. I said to myself I’d love to learn this language one day.

It wasn’t until I finished my final year semester in university (2015) that I began learning the language.

At first, I just wanted to learn for fun but after a while, the thought of speaking in Spanish fascinated me. So, here I am 5 years later still trying to achieve it. I can proudly say I’m a language enthusiast.

2. What languages do you currently learn?

Spanish and Arabic but my priority is Spanish. I didn’t learn both at the same time. I studied the latter when I was in secondary but decided to learn it again just because I felt like doing so.

3. How long have you been learning Spanish?

Some people say don’t count the years it’s the hours you spend every day that matters. Oh well, when it comes to dedication the years also count, don’t you think?

So, I’ve been learning it 30 – 45 minutes in the morning every day for 5 years. I love starting my day that way when everything is fresh.

4. How do you teach yourself a language?

Pick the right resources and methods and stick to them. Sounds easy, doesn’t it? Well, you need to have a passion, purpose, goal, and plan.

First, do some research. Language learners’ blogs are a good start because they will help you shorten your time. These people share great resources and sometimes give a brief review of them. Second, create a plan. Third, follow and stick to your plan.

Have Passion

I remember wanting to learn Spanish because I loved the sound of it without knowing the name. To learn a language, it’s like a must to love it first. I mean, why would you want to learn something you don’t like, right?

Identify Your Purpose

For me, initially, I just want to be able to watch and understand series and songs without relying on subtitles. As time goes by, I realize I also want to be able to have smooth conversations with native speakers.

Set Your Goal

I set a long-term realistic goal which is to increase my knowledge of the Spanish language.

Create A Study Plan

I created a fixable plan that I can easily follow and feel comfortable with. If the resources and methods I chose don’t produce fruitful results after quite some time you know what it means. It’s trial and error.

Finally, I always repeat and review what I’ve learned. This is super important. Don’t expect to just ‘get it’ because you won’t. Some new info will stick easily and some will sink in after a while. When I review back it turns out my understanding gets better and better. I guess that’s why people say repetition is the key.

5. What methods do you use? How do you use them?

Throughout the years I’ve changed my resources multiple times. Here’s what I currently use;

Monday

For vocabulary: Duolingo, Memrise, and Clozemaster.

For grammar: Gramática Española app. This is the StudySpanish app version solely for grammar. I only learn one topic. If it’s a long one I’ll just learn half and continue the rest the next day. If it’s quite difficult I’ll keep learning until I understand. Until then, no exercise.

Tuesday