When is the Best Time to Start Learning a New Language?

Reason 1: There is No Finish Line!

Learning a new language is an ongoing work in progress. We invest our time, money, and effort into something which we may never truly feel “good enough” at. Why do we do this to ourselves?! It is so freeing when we realise that the goal is actually not perfection, but instead communication. When I accept this, I can let go of trying to be perfect and can make mistakes and laugh at them along the way. I can celebrate the small wins and be proud of the progress I've already made and not beat myself up about the mountain I still need to climb.

Reason 2: Progress, Not Perfection!

When I feel like giving up, can I embrace the challenge and persevere? What keeps me going? I need to change my perspective to not simply see learning a language as a goal to achieve and to tick it off the list but to see learning about different languages and cultures as an integral and enriching part of my life and not simply a means to an end.

Learning a language is teaching me so much more than just vocab. I’m learning to try and not take myself too seriously. It is very freeing to just laugh when I’ve poured my heart and soul into trying to express something, and I'm completely misunderstood. If we’re willing to step out of our comfort zone in these ways and be childlike in learning a language, we’ll definitely avoid some pain and frustrations along the way.

Reason 3: Push Through the Obstacles!

What is stopping us? I kept putting off learning a new language for about 2 years. There was always an excuse and a good reason to delay. But I missed out! I missed the opportunity to start sooner and make some progress. Sometimes the reasons are good. We’re busy with work and life, or we don't have enough savings. The thing is, it feels really empowering to pursue our passion and dedicate time to it, and it increases our confidence in other areas too. Learning languages is really fulfilling and can open so many doors- professionally, personally, and socially.

In my opinion, there will never be a ‘best’ time to start learning a language. There will, of course, be more convenient times. Maybe when there is less “going on” in life. If we only studied when we felt like it, we would not get very far. There are too many distractions and competing priorities for our time. This is why I am so thankful for my teachers who spur me on and encourage me and also why I love to play that role for my own students and see their improvement as a result of their commitment and consistency.