reexamining how we learn languages

Traditional language learning classes often divide language-study into four components: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. From first glance, it is easy to group these components as either a written skill (reading, writing) or an oral skill (speaking, listening). However, another, perhaps less obvious way to group these skills could be as either passive input (reading, listening), and creative output (writing, speaking). Thinking about language learning in this way allows us to re-contextualize how we think about language study, and maybe leads to some tips on how to better reach language learning goals!

For example, compare learning a second (or third, or fourth!) language to learning to play an instrument. Studying classical technique and history for years might lead to a musician with a wealth of knowledge about how to sight-read music, the ability to memorize and recite pieces in ever-growing length and complexity, and the tendency to impress any passerby with their music.

On the other hand, a musician who listens to hours of jam bands, attends jazz nights, and constantly messes around with their instrument (both in the company of others and alone), might possess a completely different set of skills. She might be able to generate completely new melodies, create music together with a group of new musicians on a whim, or explain intuitively, if not technically, why certain sounds work and others don't.

The goals of these two musicians are probably totally different, and their styles of practice and learning reflects that. Like learning to play an instrument, learning a new language can take several different forms, depending on what your goals are. Do you want to be able to converse casually with native speakers and get around a different country? Do you want to analyze literature in that language? Do you want to produce new texts or give speeches? Do you want to be able to participate fluently in a conversation, no matter what situation you're in? All of these goals are best achieved by slightly different strategies of learning, and it's worth reflecting on what your particular goals are, as you continue to grow and learn as a student of language.