Motivation and learning a new language

Motivation is often defined as the psychological quality that drives people to achieve a goal. For language learners, mastery of a language, competence, and communicative skills can be that goal.

Language is a communication system taught as school discipline, an integral part of the identity of the individual involved in almost all mental activities, the most important channel of the social organization embedded in the culture of the community where it is used. When we start to learn a new language, the initial difficulties arise mainly when memorizing new vocabulary, making the correct placement in a sentence, or understanding what is being said. At first, it may seem very frustrating, but you will get there as long as you remain MOTIVATED.

Motivation is the most demanding part of learning. The task can be so great, so infinite, that after the initial period, some people tend to give up. Learning a second language, for most people, who do not live in a foreign country, who do not have the possibility to study full time, who do not have bilingual parents, and do not want to go abroad requires a lot of work and a long study period. How many times have you missed important chances because you were afraid to accept the unknown? Every day, opportunities will present themselves and it is up to you to take action. You may have opportunities that present you with a creative idea, career change, or goal, but because of excuses, laziness, or procrastination, you have chosen to ignore your chances. Learning to recognize the right opportunity can teach you how to make smarter life decisions. Opportunity is what you make of it… Life is what you make of it! Even when there are difficulties … there are opportunities. You just need to act and open the door… chances are there waiting for you. Do the exercise below to improve your motivation, making your learning more manageable. If you want to learn a language, have clearly defined goals, and motivate yourself to make a difference. The more clearly and specifically you answer these questions the more successful you will be:

1. Why do I want to learn a new language?
2. What am I going to do with it?
3. Why do I need that language?
4. What am I trying to achieve?
5. Am I trying to get close to native proficiency, or just order a meal at a restaurant?
6. Am I learning a language for pleasure or to help me with my studies or career?
7. What are my future goals?

Small successes will give you positive reinforcement by increasing your motivation to continue. Once you have made your list, then define which program or classes to fit the goals you have set. Defining your goals and achieving them is extremely motivating. Small successes will give you positive reinforcement by increasing your motivation to continue learning the language.