It's about LETTING GO.
The smartest people are not the ones who learn a language the quickest. Believe it or not, smarts actually get in the way of learning a new language. Super intelligent people get a lot of respect for their intelligence, they are used to having their intelligence respected.
And then they open their mouth in a foreign language and gobbledygook comes out.
MISTAKES!
Short sentences and simple words!
They can't EXPRESS themselves and explain the complicated concepts that are in their brains. Expressing themselves intelligently is so tied up to their self concept that they want to wait until they are dang near fluent before they venture out and use their English.
Who does learn a language the quickest? People who can't shut up to save their lives. They are the social ones, the extroverts, the friendly people who chat up their neighbor on a train, who go to a pub and talk to strangers.
They don't care if they make mistakes because they NEED to talk. They need the connection. If they can't get their message out with words, they draw pictures, they use gestures, they try and try again, and if all else fails, they just laugh and take another swig of beer.
What can you learn from them?
1. Let go of the need to be perfect.
Speaking a language is not about grammar and vocabulary, it's about getting your message across. Sure, you need to learn new words and the future tense. That will come. But when you are using English with a real live human being, let that go and just get your message across.
2. Find an extrovert to talk to.
I am an introvert, too, and talking to strangers on the train is not my strong point. But it is someone's! Be their friend. They will pull English out of you whether you like it or not! How do you find such people in the time of coronavirus? Online forums are your friends. Language exchange platforms. Do you have an extroverted friend who is also learning English? Have dinner with them and make a game of it--anyone who slips out of English has to take swig of beer or pay the other person a dollar. Do it over Skype if you need to.
3. Reach out to strangers.
I lived in the Czech Republic for a year. Have you tried to learn Czech? It is a brutal language to learn, but I did learn one phrase really well, "Můžu si pohladit vašeho psa?" "Can I pet your dog?" I went for walks and petted dogs and it always led to a conversation.
If you are in an English speaking country, ask for directions whether you need them or not. Talk to the gal at the hotel's front desk and ask where to go for lunch. What is your passion? Let it lead you to a conversation.
4. Learn to laugh at yourself.
EVERYONE makes mistakes learning a language. You can't learn English without making mistakes. You can't. So embrace them as part of the process and keep your sense of humor.
Back when I had the best dog in the world, Tuffy, I was learning Spanish and tried to tell people my favorite thing to do was to take Tuffy to the local dog park. I said, "Llevo a mi perro a parqueos para perros," "I take my dog to dog parking lots." Oh, how we all laughed! Laugh at yourself!
5. Practice.
Of course you need to learn the language. Get a good teacher who lets you do the talking (that's me!), do your grammar exercises, practice your pronunciation, watch movies, read your trashy romance novels in English, join a conversation group, learn new vocabulary, and build your language. There is no shortcut here. You just have to do the work. Confidence comes with mastery, too.
What I offer
Conversation Groups
Online English Lessons
Pronunciation Workshops
Wow! I love this Tips column...good info, well presented, and lots of great photos! Including Tuffy. You are amazing....in many languages!