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You need to be talented to learn a new language -

Many are quick to believe that people who speak several languages are exceptionally talented, or that it's a natural gift. However, there's no special gene for this.

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You need to be talented to learn a new language -

Everyone has a language learning gene because that's what makes us human. How else could children learn any language, anywhere? It's simply about practice and approach.

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You're too old to learn -

Yes, learning a language gets less natural as you get older, but you're never too old to learn. The only advantage for children is that they're blank slates. They don't have any pre-existing grammar knowledge and pronunciation habits to interfere with the new language.

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You're too old to learn -

To succeed in learning a foreign language, you need to commit a lot of time to repeating mistakes without fear, just like children. When adults overcome this, they can easily learn with discipline and consistency.

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You must have a super memory -

Memorizing is one of the unhealthiest methods of learning anything, including a language. What you memorize, you can easily forget. You need to imbibe what you learn.

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You must have a super memory -

This can only be done by speaking and listening to your target language. You learn by practicing everyday phrases, not by memorizing them.

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You have to learn to speak and write at the same time -

The majority of language learners learn how to read and write simultaneously, as well as speaking. But you don't have to learn it all at the same time.

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You have to learn to speak and write at the same time -

It is better to learn how to speak and understand first, so that once you’ve  progressed in that you can start learning how to read and write. The truth is that one can be fluent in speaking without necessarily knowing how to write in a language.

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You have to study grammar -

You don’t start your language learning by holding and memorizing conjugation charts in your head to speak with perfect grammar. It has to be learned organically.

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You have to study grammar -

Studying grammar theoretically in the early stages of your language learning can even slow you down. It's better to focus on the connection of the vocal sounds.

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You only need books and apps to learn a language -

With various free language apps available, many think that a few minutes of practice a day can make them fluent in a foreign language. But, sadly, this isn't true.

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You only need books and apps to learn a language -

While you might practice vocabulary with books and apps, it won't give you conversational fluency in your target language. The primary point of learning a new language is to engage in conversation with real people.

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Learning a language is expensive -

This isn't necessarily true. Of course, tutors for some languages can be costly, and classes in different language institutes can be as well. But there's more to it.

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Learning a language is expensive -

There are more available resources for some languages compared to others, such as French, Spanish, and German. There are also many accessible and affordable courses and resources that make language learning tangible.

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You have to live where the target language is spoken -

While it does help to immerse yourself in your target language, you don't have to live where it's spoken before you can express yourself.

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You have to live where the target language is spoken -

In the end, it's mainly down to one's dedication and interest in learning. Thanks to the internet, finding a teacher and having accessibility to resources are realistic possibilities.

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Language learning is too difficult -

While language learning takes time, it's mainly challenging if you don’t want to study. The reality is that to successfully acquire a new tongue, you have to commit.

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Language learning is too difficult -

Of course, language learning is hard for some to cope with due to the methods that languages are taught in, such as too much of a grammar focus or lack of conversation exercises.

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Intelligent people are better language learners -

An academic background or a high IQ have nothing to do with studying a new language. They've actually been proven to be quite low indicators of language-learning ability.

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Intelligent people are better language learners -

Rather than intelligence, it's often the suitable methodologies, different strategies, interest, and regular practice that matter most. In the end, every person has a different learning style.

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Translation tools are great for learning -

Different translation tools maybe help out in day-to-day situations, but are inadequate and ineffective for deeper and more detailed communication.

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Translation tools are great for learning -

Language is a complex system, and compared to humans, a machine algorithm can’t relate words to context. Therefore, you can't rely fully on translation tools.

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You can learn a new language in a few months -

Everyone has heard this one, but sadly there are no quick fixes to learning a language. Depending on your language's difficulty and the methodologies used, it takes around three to five years to learn a new language.

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You can learn a new language in a few months -

Whether you're learning a popular foreign language or a less-taught language, learning takes time. There is no shortcut to fluency.

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One can learn through self-study -

With tons of online resources and books available, it might seem easy to learn through self-study. But, sadly, it's not as straightforward without proper guidance and interaction.

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One can learn through self-study -

It's best to get into the real world and find a language learning center or private tutor. This way you have someone to study with and also have someone you can ask your questions directly to.

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You can only learn one language at a time -

This depends, of course, on each person and their lifestyle. Some may find it helpful, while others may consider it a hindrance to learn two languages simultaneously.

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You can only learn one language at a time -

One way to do it is to learn one language first. This will give you a sense of the learning process and help you adapt. Then you can begin to study two or more languages at a time.

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You don’t need to learn another language -

You might think that knowing just one language, such as English, will be enough when going on holidays or working. But apart from better communication skills, learning another language have many other benefits.

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You don’t need to learn another language -

Research has proven that speaking several languages has positive effects on the brain. Some advantages include better problem-solving and multitasking skills. Multilingual people also tend to make more rational decisions.

Sources: (Forbes) (Effective Language Learning) (The Mimic Method) 

See also: English words borrowed from foreign languages 

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