Your Approach to Language Learning Might Be Fundamentally Flawed

Many of us have been there: spending years learning English, memorising countless words, only to find ourselves limited to a hesitant 'How are you?' when meeting a native speaker. Or perhaps we simply assume that language learning must begin with 'hello' and 'thank you', driven by the desire to chat with locals or enjoy a holiday abroad.

But what if I told you there's a more powerful approach? One that doesn't prioritise 'fluent conversation', but instead treats language as a key to unlock a world you're truly passionate about?

Today, I want to share a story with you. It's about a Taiwanese PhD student in Germany, whose research focuses on Byzantine history. For the sake of his studies, he practically compelled himself to become a proficient decipherer of German, French, Ancient Greek, and Latin.

Treat Language Learning Like a Detective Game

Imagine you're a top-tier detective, tasked with a cold case that's been gathering dust for a thousand years: the mystery behind the rise and fall of the Byzantine Empire.

The case is ancient, and all the original records (primary sources) are written in two archaic ciphers: Ancient Greek and Latin. To decipher this first-hand evidence, you must first learn to crack these two ancient codes.

To complicate matters further, over the past century, some of the world's most brilliant detectives (modern scholars) have also investigated this case. They've amassed a huge volume of analytical notes, all written in their native tongues – German and French. Their research findings are pivotal clues to cracking the case, and you simply cannot afford to ignore them.

What's the solution?

The only way is to transform yourself into a multilingual 'super sleuth'.

This history PhD is precisely such a 'super sleuth'. His goal isn't to master ordering a coffee in Latin; it's to be able to read Cicero's works and see through the mists of a thousand years of history. He learned German and French not for idle chatter, but to stand on the shoulders of giants and comprehend cutting-edge academic research.

You see, when the learning objective shifts from 'daily communication' to 'cracking a mystery', the entire logic of learning transforms.

Your 'Why' Dictates Your 'How'

This PhD student's learning journey perfectly illustrates this principle:

• Ancient Greek and Latin: Read-Only, No Speaking. His teachers didn't begin lessons with 'How are you?'; instead, they'd immediately pull out Caesar's Gallic Wars and launch into grammatical analysis. Because the objective was to read historical texts, all instruction revolved around this core aim. He studied Ancient Greek for a year and a half and still couldn't manage a simple greeting, but that didn't stop him from delving into profound ancient literature.

• German and French: Tools for 'Solving the Case'. He needed German for in-depth academic discussions with his supervisor and peers, so his proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing was paramount. French, meanwhile, was an essential tool for navigating the vast volume of research materials. These two languages were, in essence, his weapons for survival and advancement within the academic sphere.

The greatest insight this story offers us is this: Stop asking 'how to learn a language effectively', and first ask yourself 'why am I learning it?'

Is it to understand a French film without subtitles? To read an original novel by a Japanese author? Or to communicate with colleagues worldwide to collaborate on a project?

The more specific and urgent your 'why' is, the more focused and motivated your learning will become. You'll no longer agonise over whether 'this word is useless', because you'll know that every word and every grammatical rule you learn is crafting a key for your personal 'treasure trove'.

Language: The Bridge to Connecting Worlds

Interestingly, this PhD student's spoken English actually improved while he was in Germany.

His research field brings together scholars from all over the world – Sweden, Brazil, Italy, and beyond. When they convene, English naturally becomes the most convenient lingua franca. It was precisely this authentic need for problem-solving communication that led to his English skills improving by leaps and bounds.

This precisely demonstrates that the essence of language lies in connection. Be it connecting with ancient wisdom or bridging divides between people from diverse modern cultural backgrounds.

In today's globalised world, each of us has the potential to become such a 'connector'. While you might not need to master four or five languages like him, possessing a tool that can instantly dismantle communication barriers will undoubtedly take you further. Nowadays, chat apps like Intent already offer built-in AI real-time translation, allowing you to effortlessly communicate with anyone, anywhere in the world, in their native language. It's like equipping your thoughts with a 'universal translator', making connection simpler than ever before.

So, stop treating language learning as a tiresome chore.

Find that 'why' that truly ignites your passion, find the 'mystery' you're driven to unravel. Then, treat language as your essential exploration tool, and bravely venture forth into that wider world. You'll discover that the learning process is no longer a painful struggle, but an exhilarating journey of discovery, full of unexpected delights.