Many people set out to learn a new language for various reasons — from wanting to better communicate with loved ones in their native tongue to simply wanting to broaden one’s horizons. However, anyone who has learned a foreign language will tell you that it is a massive undertaking. Still, if language learners take advantage of the wealth of resources available to them, they can successfully triumph over the challenges and come out the other side with a valuable new skill. There are two main obstacles that people tend to face when learning a new language: the difficulty of the language itself, and the time commitment it requires.

“The time issue is the easier of the two to solve — plenty of language-learning platforms have found a way to break down language learning into easily-digestible chunks that can be completed on a user’s schedule,” says Quinn Taber, founder and CEO of Immerse — an innovative new language-learning platform based in the metaverse. “But our platform is unique in that it also addresses the issue of complexity.

The truth is that there are many ways for someone to learn a language, and the most effective approach will vary by person. For example, most people function best by being “thrown into the pool” with native speakers and learning as they go — picking up new phrases and conversational skills. Other learners may function better by learning in a classroom setting, then applying this knowledge in the context of conversations later on in their language learning journey.

The Language Learning Plateau

Often, language learners will hit what is effectively a learning “plateau” where all of the vocabulary learning and recitation won’t help them move towards fluency any longer. When this happens, they must then use the language they are learning in the context of genuine conversations — including role-playing exercises — to improve their skill. This is an extremely helpful strategy to help them learn more nuances of the language they choose to learn, especially if a language learner’s partner in an activity is a fluent speaker.

Nevertheless, many language learners often feel intimidated by the idea of taking their language knowledge to the next level. Some are afraid they will choke and embarrass themselves while speaking with someone who is a native speaker, while others may become overwhelmed with the realization that the knowledge they gained is only half the battle — and that learning the language is much more involved than knowing the vocabulary.

This feeling of intimidation can also lead to a loss of motivation. “Learning a language is difficult and requires a time commitment,” says Taber. “The time it takes to learn a language can vary based on the difficulty of the language, but can be anywhere from a few months to a few years. Language learning is a commitment, and if someone loses their motivation, it can be hard to keep up with that commitment.”

Overcoming the Challenges Of Learning a Language

One of the easiest ways to help your language learning journey — both reducing intimidation and increasing motivation — is to find a way to enjoy the process. For instance, many language learning platforms offer tools like role-playing exercises and gamification features to turn the activity of learning a language into a more engaging and creativity-based experience. Some language learners have also found success in connecting their language acquisition process with things they enjoy, like literature, music, or cuisine, allowing them to learn something they enjoy while learning the language. Learning new languages, such as Mandarin for its tonal complexity or Arabic for its script, presents unique challenges. However, tackling a language like Japanese, known for its distinct character sets, can be particularly intriguing. Opting for Japanese lessons online offers a blend of convenience and comprehensive learning. Such courses not only assist in overcoming common hurdles like pronunciation and grammar but also immerse learners in cultural nuances, making the journey into language acquisition both exciting and effective.”

Of course, there are few better ways to learn a language than through immersion. Classical language learning wisdom is that those who wish to take their language skills to the next level — typically from beginner or intermediate to advanced or even fluent — should immerse themselves in the culture of a country that speaks that language natively. Whether this be as a student embarking on a study abroad program, or simply taking a vacation, this has historically been the best way to strengthen all the hard work you have done to learn the language.

However, for professional adults, this type of immersion is easier said than done — especially given how much travel has changed since the COVID-19 pandemic. But the advent of new technology has allowed language learners to achieve similar levels of immersion without having to leave their own homes. “Foreign language learning tools in the metaverse, like ours, can immerse learners in a community of other learners and fluent speakers, so that they can reap the benefits of immersion with less cost or inconvenience,” says Taber.

The Value of Community in Language Learning

Learning alongside a group of fellow language learners can be an amazing experience because it provides each person with a support network of others who are having the same experience and are likely facing the same challenges. This feeling of community is the reason why classroom learning and more immersive study abroad programs tend to be so successful. To elevate your experience, it is also helpful to obtain a diploma through French Language Certificates Online.

By replicating the classroom experience virtually, Immerse’s platform uniquely connects language learners with their peers in a way that so many other language learning platforms have struggled with in the past. “We want to help language learners on the same path engage with one another in meaningful conversations,” says Taber. “This can help learners share what they’ve learned, overcome challenges, and celebrate new moments of human connection.”

Learning a new language is difficult, but the complexity of the language-learning process should not cause you to give up. Instead, find support in platforms, resources, and tools that will allow you to connect with a community of learners and immerse yourself in the language you are learning.