10 beliefs that are stopping you from learning and speaking English
1 "First, I need to learn a lot of grammar, and then I can start speaking"
Many people learn English with some kind of mathematical precision, prioritizing grammar above all else. This is understandable: in school and university, language was studied to pass exams, where grammar was the key indicator of knowledge, and crucial communication skills such as listening and speaking were often ignored.
Let's remember that English is a language learned for communication. In any communication, the most important thing is the ability to understand and convey meaning. I have seen hundreds of foreigners in different countries (locals in distant Cambodia and Mexicans who moved to America) who communicate excellently in English without perfect grammar. They meet people, communicate, make friends, sell their goods and services, and travel. They are successful in English communication because meaning is much more important than grammatical accuracy.
At the same time, I have seen many people studying the language who constantly fixated on the correctness of phrases (I am work… I working… I do working…). Their constant self-corrections negatively affected the communication, as their listeners lost the train of thought by the time they finally finished the phrase. Thus, those who successfully dealt with other aspects of communication (speaking, listening, gestures, facial expressions, intonation, etc.) achieved their communicative goal much better and more effectively than those who gave huge priority to grammar.
Of course, I don't mean that you should completely ignore grammar and never study or practice it again. But it definitely shouldn't stop you from engaging in real communication with people.
Many people learn English with some kind of mathematical precision, prioritizing grammar above all else. This is understandable: in school and university, language was studied to pass exams, where grammar was the key indicator of knowledge, and crucial communication skills such as listening and speaking were often ignored.
Let's remember that English is a language learned for communication. In any communication, the most important thing is the ability to understand and convey meaning. I have seen hundreds of foreigners in different countries (locals in distant Cambodia and Mexicans who moved to America) who communicate excellently in English without perfect grammar. They meet people, communicate, make friends, sell their goods and services, and travel. They are successful in English communication because meaning is much more important than grammatical accuracy.
At the same time, I have seen many people studying the language who constantly fixated on the correctness of phrases (I am work… I working… I do working…). Their constant self-corrections negatively affected the communication, as their listeners lost the train of thought by the time they finally finished the phrase. Thus, those who successfully dealt with other aspects of communication (speaking, listening, gestures, facial expressions, intonation, etc.) achieved their communicative goal much better and more effectively than those who gave huge priority to grammar.
Of course, I don't mean that you should completely ignore grammar and never study or practice it again. But it definitely shouldn't stop you from engaging in real communication with people.
2 "I will sound silly if I make mistakes"
This idea originates from the from the first one. Now, you feel like you want to speak, but you start blushing and sweating when you imagine yourself speaking making mistakes and people laughing at you. Last October, I specifically conducted a survey here in England about what native speakers think when foreigners make mistakes in English. All 100% of the participants responded that they admire those who have learned English (or any other language) to a decent level. The thing is, most native speakers only speak English and have never learned other languages. Also, all participants answered that foreigners who make grammatical mistakes do not sound silly. Everyone distinguishes between these two concepts: your language proficiency and your other abilities (professionalism, intellectual abilities, etc.).
This idea originates from the from the first one. Now, you feel like you want to speak, but you start blushing and sweating when you imagine yourself speaking making mistakes and people laughing at you. Last October, I specifically conducted a survey here in England about what native speakers think when foreigners make mistakes in English. All 100% of the participants responded that they admire those who have learned English (or any other language) to a decent level. The thing is, most native speakers only speak English and have never learned other languages. Also, all participants answered that foreigners who make grammatical mistakes do not sound silly. Everyone distinguishes between these two concepts: your language proficiency and your other abilities (professionalism, intellectual abilities, etc.).
People in Liverpool answering the question: What do you think of foreigners who make mistakes when speaking English?
Furthermore, it has been proven by linguists that some, even simple, grammatical forms are fully internalized by the brain only when you reach an intermediate or advanced level of language proficiency. If you look at the Natural Order Hypothesis table, created by linguist Stephen Krashen, you will see that, for example, the ending "-s," which is added to verbs in the third person singular form (he works, she works), is internalized by the brain only after you have already learned past tenses. Therefore, even if you learned this rule at the very beginning of language learning, you will continue to make mistakes in it. That's how our brain works, and it's completely natural.
3 "It will take me many years to start speaking English"
You've learned English at school for 11 years and you still can't speak it? Well, have you seen this table from Cambridge?
Level B1 (intermediate) allows you to communicate quite fluently on most popular topics, and to achieve this result, you only need to study English for about 350 hours. If you devoted 1 hour a day to English, then in a year you would already be speaking the language fairly confidently. And that's — if you've never learned the language in your life and don't even know how to say "hello." But most people already have some foundation. Most likely, if you have already studied the language, within six months you will already be able to speak it with foreigners and enjoy the fact that you can communicate in English
You've learned English at school for 11 years and you still can't speak it? Well, have you seen this table from Cambridge?
Level B1 (intermediate) allows you to communicate quite fluently on most popular topics, and to achieve this result, you only need to study English for about 350 hours. If you devoted 1 hour a day to English, then in a year you would already be speaking the language fairly confidently. And that's — if you've never learned the language in your life and don't even know how to say "hello." But most people already have some foundation. Most likely, if you have already studied the language, within six months you will already be able to speak it with foreigners and enjoy the fact that you can communicate in English
4 "English requires too much effort"
For many, the phrase "learning English" brings up discouraging images of rote memorization of words, completing grammar exercises in huge textbooks, and so on. In real life, it is crucial to find a method of language learning that is enjoyable for you, rather than "making an effort." Many of my students had mastered the basics through games and songs before they came to me. Nowadays, there are plenty of opportunities and various formats for language learning. If you are a complete beginner, you can start with sessions with a tutor to start speaking sooner, and then transition to watching videos on YouTube and joining conversation clubs to discuss various topics. The social element of language learning and the gamified format make this process interesting, engaging, creative, and informative. Many people also find friends this way. Learning a language doesn't mean locking yourself at home and just studying-studying-studying. No, learning a language means communication and development.
For many, the phrase "learning English" brings up discouraging images of rote memorization of words, completing grammar exercises in huge textbooks, and so on. In real life, it is crucial to find a method of language learning that is enjoyable for you, rather than "making an effort." Many of my students had mastered the basics through games and songs before they came to me. Nowadays, there are plenty of opportunities and various formats for language learning. If you are a complete beginner, you can start with sessions with a tutor to start speaking sooner, and then transition to watching videos on YouTube and joining conversation clubs to discuss various topics. The social element of language learning and the gamified format make this process interesting, engaging, creative, and informative. Many people also find friends this way. Learning a language doesn't mean locking yourself at home and just studying-studying-studying. No, learning a language means communication and development.
Speaking Club G8 in Sochi, Russia
5 "I'm too busy to learn English"
As I mentioned earlier, even if you are a complete beginner and dedicate just one hour a day to English, in a year you will reach an intermediate level and be able to speak fairly fluently on most topics. It's just a matter of developing a habit.
If you're a beginner, you can start with mini-lessons. There are many schools out there that offer short lessons (15 or 30 minutes), with native and non-native teachers.
Book yourself such lessons several times a week, for example, after breakfast. Then, after work, spend another 30 minutes doing tasks you enjoy: you can sing your favourite songs in English, watch YouTube videos for beginners and discuss them, do listening and speaking exercises in apps, and so on. For additional motivation, you can do this with friends or with your significant other. That way, you'll kill two birds with one stone: spend time together and improve your English.
If your level is elementary or intermediate (A2-B1), read or watch the news in English in the mornings - 15 minutes. On your way to work, listen to and repeat phrases in English - 30 minutes. Before bed, speak aloud about what you did during the day, what went well and what didn't, what you learned, and how you felt - 15 minutes.
The truth is, we all know that the phrase "I don't have time for this" means that "this" is not a priority for us. We always find time for what truly matters to us. Perhaps you need to reassess your goal of learning the language. This goal should inspire and motivate you, and then you will find time for it.
As I mentioned earlier, even if you are a complete beginner and dedicate just one hour a day to English, in a year you will reach an intermediate level and be able to speak fairly fluently on most topics. It's just a matter of developing a habit.
If you're a beginner, you can start with mini-lessons. There are many schools out there that offer short lessons (15 or 30 minutes), with native and non-native teachers.
Book yourself such lessons several times a week, for example, after breakfast. Then, after work, spend another 30 minutes doing tasks you enjoy: you can sing your favourite songs in English, watch YouTube videos for beginners and discuss them, do listening and speaking exercises in apps, and so on. For additional motivation, you can do this with friends or with your significant other. That way, you'll kill two birds with one stone: spend time together and improve your English.
If your level is elementary or intermediate (A2-B1), read or watch the news in English in the mornings - 15 minutes. On your way to work, listen to and repeat phrases in English - 30 minutes. Before bed, speak aloud about what you did during the day, what went well and what didn't, what you learned, and how you felt - 15 minutes.
The truth is, we all know that the phrase "I don't have time for this" means that "this" is not a priority for us. We always find time for what truly matters to us. Perhaps you need to reassess your goal of learning the language. This goal should inspire and motivate you, and then you will find time for it.
6 "I'm not a 'language person'"
Yes, there are people to whom languages come more easily, and there are those for whom they are more difficult. But there's no such thing as being "not a language person." After all, you learned your native language. We, as humans, are designed to be capable of languages, and language has allowed us to progress in evolution so far.
Of course, languages often differ in various aspects: the words themselves, sentence structures, pronunciation of sounds, idiomatic expressions, and so on. But languages are also very similar. As for words, you already know many English words because there are so many borrowings from English. For instance, words that end in -ция in Russian usually correspond to the same words ending in -tion in English (коммуникация - communication; информация - information). Every day we use hundreds of popular English words: internet, computer, manager, marketing, creative, email, robot, showroom, second-hand, journalist, and the list goes on.
As for grammar, sentences in many languages have similar components and structures: subject - verb - object. For example, "Я работаю в банке" - "I work in a bank." Of course, it won't always be a word-for-word translation and result in a perfect English sentence, but as you can see, there are more similarities than differences anyway. And everyone is scared of that table of tenses with 12 different tenses, but in reality, you can get by with 6 commonly used tenses.
As you can see, there are far more similarities than differences in languages, and since you learned your native language, it can't be that you're incapable of English. Most often, if you can play one musical instrument, you can learn a second, because you understand the principle.
Yes, there are people to whom languages come more easily, and there are those for whom they are more difficult. But there's no such thing as being "not a language person." After all, you learned your native language. We, as humans, are designed to be capable of languages, and language has allowed us to progress in evolution so far.
Of course, languages often differ in various aspects: the words themselves, sentence structures, pronunciation of sounds, idiomatic expressions, and so on. But languages are also very similar. As for words, you already know many English words because there are so many borrowings from English. For instance, words that end in -ция in Russian usually correspond to the same words ending in -tion in English (коммуникация - communication; информация - information). Every day we use hundreds of popular English words: internet, computer, manager, marketing, creative, email, robot, showroom, second-hand, journalist, and the list goes on.
As for grammar, sentences in many languages have similar components and structures: subject - verb - object. For example, "Я работаю в банке" - "I work in a bank." Of course, it won't always be a word-for-word translation and result in a perfect English sentence, but as you can see, there are more similarities than differences anyway. And everyone is scared of that table of tenses with 12 different tenses, but in reality, you can get by with 6 commonly used tenses.
As you can see, there are far more similarities than differences in languages, and since you learned your native language, it can't be that you're incapable of English. Most often, if you can play one musical instrument, you can learn a second, because you understand the principle.
7 "I'm too old to learn English"
This belief is one of the most common and at the same time one of the most erroneous. Research shows that age is not a barrier to learning new languages. The adult brain is still capable of learning and adapting. Moreover, learning a new language in mature age can improve memory and cognitive functions. Many retirees successfully master new languages, using them for travel, communication with foreigners, and even work in international companies. Don't be afraid to start - every step in language learning brings the joy of understanding and the opportunity to communicate.
This belief is one of the most common and at the same time one of the most erroneous. Research shows that age is not a barrier to learning new languages. The adult brain is still capable of learning and adapting. Moreover, learning a new language in mature age can improve memory and cognitive functions. Many retirees successfully master new languages, using them for travel, communication with foreigners, and even work in international companies. Don't be afraid to start - every step in language learning brings the joy of understanding and the opportunity to communicate.
8 "I've already tried and failed..."
What would you say to someone who tried something and it didn't work out for them? Most likely, you would recommend trying another method. If everyone gave up their endeavours after the first or second attempt, we wouldn't have anything of what we have today: light bulbs, radios, the internet, airplanes...
If you've tried learning English before and it didn't work out for you, it means you haven't found the right method, and there are dozens if not hundreds of them (see the link below). Try another one. I recommend consulting with several experienced teachers, reading articles, and watching videos on this topic. You can approach this as an experiment. Try 5 different methods and see which one you prefer.
What would you say to someone who tried something and it didn't work out for them? Most likely, you would recommend trying another method. If everyone gave up their endeavours after the first or second attempt, we wouldn't have anything of what we have today: light bulbs, radios, the internet, airplanes...
If you've tried learning English before and it didn't work out for you, it means you haven't found the right method, and there are dozens if not hundreds of them (see the link below). Try another one. I recommend consulting with several experienced teachers, reading articles, and watching videos on this topic. You can approach this as an experiment. Try 5 different methods and see which one you prefer.
9 "Learning English is boring"
Just think about all the things you watch, listen to, and discuss in your native language. Well, all of that (and much more) can be done in English too. New people, ideas, perspectives - all of this comes along with English. And if you're an entrepreneur, if you love to travel and learn new things, then English is the key to a new level. When you see this, you'll also realize that English isn't just not boring, it's incredibly interesting.
Don't limit your learning to just studying at home with English textbooks. Learn the basics with a tutor and start communicating in English. Use every opportunity for practice: talk to foreigners, join conversation clubs, or online language exchange platforms. Approach language learning as a game.
Just think about all the things you watch, listen to, and discuss in your native language. Well, all of that (and much more) can be done in English too. New people, ideas, perspectives - all of this comes along with English. And if you're an entrepreneur, if you love to travel and learn new things, then English is the key to a new level. When you see this, you'll also realize that English isn't just not boring, it's incredibly interesting.
Don't limit your learning to just studying at home with English textbooks. Learn the basics with a tutor and start communicating in English. Use every opportunity for practice: talk to foreigners, join conversation clubs, or online language exchange platforms. Approach language learning as a game.
10 "I don't need English"
Yes, there are indeed people who don't need English. And there are those who say they don't need it. I've heard many stories where people hide behind the phrase "I don't need money" because they couldn't find a way to earn it or they had some trauma related to money; yet secretly, they envied the successful. After working on their situation with a therapist, their attitude towards themselves and money miraculously changed, and they started earning a lot because they allowed themselves to be who they wanted to be.
Different people have come to me for consultations. There were those who tried to convince me that they didn't need English because wherever they went (to Europe and even the USA), people there speak Russian. But this is only because those people had no opportunity to communicate with anyone in English. If during their trip they had talked to hundreds of people in English, they would definitely not say they didn't need English.
If you are convinced that you don't need English, try to honestly answer these 3 questions:
Did you find this article interesting? What is making your English learning difficult and how are you coping with it? Leave a message below or PM me on Instagram.
Yes, there are indeed people who don't need English. And there are those who say they don't need it. I've heard many stories where people hide behind the phrase "I don't need money" because they couldn't find a way to earn it or they had some trauma related to money; yet secretly, they envied the successful. After working on their situation with a therapist, their attitude towards themselves and money miraculously changed, and they started earning a lot because they allowed themselves to be who they wanted to be.
Different people have come to me for consultations. There were those who tried to convince me that they didn't need English because wherever they went (to Europe and even the USA), people there speak Russian. But this is only because those people had no opportunity to communicate with anyone in English. If during their trip they had talked to hundreds of people in English, they would definitely not say they didn't need English.
If you are convinced that you don't need English, try to honestly answer these 3 questions:
- Do I want to limit my communication only to those who speak my native language for the rest of my life?
- How would my life change now if I could speak English fluently at the snap of my fingers?
- What would I be doing completely differently right now? How would I develop myself and my business if I were fluent in English?
Did you find this article interesting? What is making your English learning difficult and how are you coping with it? Leave a message below or PM me on Instagram.
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