Overcoming Frustration in Language Learning

Language learning can be really fun...but it can also be really frustrating! Let's talk a little about where frustration comes from and how to stop feeling frustrated when learning a new language.
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Chapters:
0:00-0:43 Intro
0:43-2:11 Is it actually language frustration?
2:11-4:57 Frustration from not making progress
4:57-9:18 Frustration from not meeting expectations
9:18-11:58 Frustration from lack of understanding
11:58-12:45 Enjoying the process

[@SomedayKorean]

It's so important to take a step back sometimes. I was just feeling bummed the other day about how I let a lot of my habits slip during January, but when I glanced through my screen time history on my phone and iPad I realized I had spent more time on languages than I originally thought. Was it as much as I had hoped? No, but it was significantly more than nothing, and that helped me shift my perspective and not feel so down on myself.

[@PolyglotProgress]

I already deleted the random black screen with the KZbin editor but it'll take a while to process so just ignore that for now! You'd think I would have caught it while captioning 🙃

[@KMMOS1]

University classes begin again next week for me. I am studying mathematics and computer science, both of which are easy to appreciate as foreign languages. They bothh require translation to a natural language before they can be understood and combined with what else is understood, and before new output in their terms can be created. So, I find your comments to be helpful and comforting and useful assistance toward technical progress.

[@soundsgood9417]

Thank you dear. I cried all the way home after a language class because I was sooooo frustrated. Thanks for putting things into perspective.

[@readingwithursula9706]

Great timing! I’ve been feeling really frustrated in language learning lately and you made me realize a lot of that is the result of other factors and frustration with frequently seeing people learning my target languages in two years, which just isn’t feasible (or fun) for me.

[@Andrecivicc]

What a perfect time to address this topic!! Thanks, Abigail, my FCE results have just come through and I've been bawling my eyes out for not passing with grade A, by five points, it would have granted me a C1 recognition in English, although the test is meant to assess B2 language learners. Having studied English for more than six years, I really needed that C1 grade not only for myself but also to "validate" my knowledge of the language in order to apply for an internship in my field, in which fluency in a myriad of languages is a must, in particular in English. Thanks for the reflection again!

[@AfroLinguo]

I took the chinese B1 exam in November and my results weren't great either. I was kinda angry about it, but now I am taking the time to improve so that I can get the B1 certificate with the grade I want.

[@shaidaxiang7034]

Thanks for another inspiring video! I want to share this saying I love that learning a language should not be a race to fluency. You've got to enjoy the process, learning new words, making new connections. Don't get frustrated with yourself. taking things slow and having fun with it.

[@AfroLinguo]

Definitely. The amazing thing is... if you are loving the process, you will get fluent even faster than you think. But if you are not enjoying the process, you will probably take more time than needed.

[@jinxedbeauty9594]

Good timing, I have been frustrated lately with my German language. I am dyslexic so it is harder for me to learn things and it's been really frustrating trying to get some progression.

[@bunnyteeth365]

I've been using anki. For a while it's been becoming less effective since I'm just not coming across a lot of unknown words. At the same time I'm definitely not advanced. So it's just harder to notice progress since I can't just memorize a bunch of words and automatically make a bunch of progress. One thing I just started was an online course IN my target language. That way I focus more on the message and I make sure that I actually understand the message. I still pick up new words when I need to, but since the focus is on learning a new topic that sort of helps shift it away from old learning methods I found more helpful in the past. I'll still use anki, but I'll no longer feel like I wasted my time if I didn't learn any new words.

[@AfroLinguo]

I knew a guy who used anki a lot for language learning ang it really helped him get fluent. The power of Anki is amazing.

[@isa-wt2lb]

this dropped just as I was feeling frustrated about not understanding things above my level, ha. and you're so right about external factors influencing our language learning experience, a lot of times my biggest problem is life/work and not the process itself. great video!

[@PolyglotProgress]

Wow what perfect timing! It's definitely been a huge realisation for me, I always assumed it was JUST the language learning until I was like wait... this only happens like this when there's other stuff going on haha Hope everything feels better soon!

[@analuizabollinisantos4308]

Great video! Taking a step back is important sometimes. I think people focus so much on not giving up/taking a break because they consider this a failure. I took a step back with french due to frustration not only with my language learning process but with life in general and it was exactly what I needed. Now my goal is to do 1 Pomodoro of french studying everyday to get back in track.

[@AfroLinguo]

The amazing thing is that sometimes, even when you take some time off, when you get back to the language, your level is actually not that bad.

[@user-su1rd1hm4m]

I like how you end your video with the phrase "practice makes progress" every time. You remind me of Cato the Censor (a politician of the Roman Republic) who used the phrase "Carthage must be destroyed" as the conclusion of all his speeches to push for the war. ;)

[@claire_450]

Whoop! It's Wednesday 💃 I hope you're having a better week now 😃 I really like your advice, especially about the expectations from others, it's definitely true for me and I'm not even on KZbin, so fair play to you for also putting yourself out there on KZbin on top of all that 😊

[@wewerthoncardoso9054]

I really love your videos!!

[@user-lv6dd1gs3j]

Everytime... everytime I hear your voice it is like bwoah, especially how clearly you speak. How did you get it to this level? I really struggle when I speak German, oh even English 😅

[@Kender591]

I really want to know how old is Abigail

[@PolyglotProgress]

I'm 23, I'll be 24 in May :)

[@Kender591]

@@PolyglotProgress thanks for answering,I've been asking this question for months.

[@omestredetodaaslendas]

🙄😍

[@chamamabdessamed977]

I used to say that Jennifer Aniston is the most beautiful woman, ever but the truth is she is not even nearly as beautiful as you

[@PolyglotProgress]

Aw thank you!

[@chamamabdessamed977]

@@PolyglotProgress you're welcome I just say what I see :)