The Key Factor for Learning Any Language

There are so many methods, apps, and techniques for learning languages today. For a beginner, it can be quite overwhelming with so many options, alternatives, and opinions.

In fact, I would even say that it’s a problem.

Don’t get me wrong, It’s great that we have so many readily accessible resources. Comparing language learning today with 30 years ago, when I learned my first language, it is like night and day.

But I also see a trend and a shift in focus that dilutes the waters. Too many things to take your eyes off the goalpost and what really matters. It might even be the reason why you’re not progressing in your language learning journey.

Let’s talk about the most important thing in language learning.

The most important factor when learning a language

The single most important factor is: consistency.

It doesn’t matter how great your method or learning materials are, if you aren’t consistent with it. Consistency comes before all else.

If I could choose between having the best textbook in the world and studying it for 2 hours a week or only using Duolingo for 30 minutes every evening – I would choose Duolingo without a doubt.

That’s not because Duolingo is great, but because it gives me consistent language input and output every day.

The idea that consistency is superior to most other things is not only supported by my 30-year-long experience but also by research.

Studies in neuroplasticity show that the brain can reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. It was previously believed that these connections could only be built until a certain age.

However, research (Draganski et al., 2004) shows that regular practice strengthens these connections. The Draganski study showed that after regular practice, the participants had an increased volume of grey matter in their brains.

In other words, consistent exposure to a new language can physically change the brain to enhance your language processing abilities.

The role of habit formation in language acquisition

Being consistent in your language learning means forming habits. It’s hard to be consistent without having a habit or routine.

Here’s how habit formation can help you:

1. Repetitions: Habits are formed through repetition. By consistently practicing a language you reinforce neural pathways in your brain. Repetition leads to mastery – no matter what it is you are practicing.

2. Cognitive load: When language learning becomes a habit, the effort required to engage in it decreases. Do you remember your first lessons or language sessions at home? Most likely, you were tired and mentally exhausted afterward. But the more lessons and sessions you had, the easier it got, right?

When you practice consistently, you strengthen your brain. It’s the same when you go to the gym for the first time and feel broken for several days after the workout. But with time, you will feel less pain and physical exhaustion, even if you are lifting heavier weights.

3. Long-term retention: Habits and consistency make you remember for longer. Consistent exposure to a language helps move information from short-term to long-term memory. Many people forget that we store information in different compartments in our brains.

Study a set of words once and it will most likely be stored in your short-term memory. Repetitions will make your brain store the vocabulary in your long-term memory instead.

4. Habits lead to consistency: Naturally, a daily habit means being consistent. A habit is not something you do every day for a week and then quit. A habit is something that feels like second nature, that you do almost automatically. When language learning becomes habitual, you’re less likely to skip lessons – even when you aren’t feeling motivated to study.

5. Positive feedback loop: The more you study consistently, the more you improve. When you improve, you increase your confidence, which motivates you to continue practicing. This is called a positive feedback loop.

How to stay consistent when learning a language

Being consistent is A and O when it comes to language acquisition. In order to see steady progress, it’s essential to establish and maintain a language learning routine.

Here are some tips on how to do that. Don’t forget to read my 9 tips to incorporate language learning into your daily routine as well!

Set realistic goals and a strategy

Begin your journey by defining clear, achievable goals. I recommend that you set both short-term and long-term goals. For example, learn a number of new words each week, practice speaking for 10 minutes a day, or order food in your target language.

Not setting a goal is one of the most common mistakes people make when learning a new language.

Create a study schedule

Here’s where a lot of people go wrong, and it’s not in the way you might think.

Many people are motivated at the beginning of their journey, so they create a schedule that is too ambitious and intense. It might work initially, but after a few weeks, they become overworked and eventually give up.

You want to have a realistic schedule, even if it means only practicing for 15 minutes or 30 minutes a day. Remember, consistency and habit formation is the goal.

Are you really going to study for 2 hours every evening after work for the next year? Be honest with yourself and create a schedule you can follow. It’s better to start with too little than too much.

Use language apps

Apps like Duolingo, Glossika, and Memrise are excellent tools for maintaining consistency. Duolingo is great because of its gamification of language learning, which helps with consistency.

I’d lie if I said I didn’t practice my language skills every time I sit on the toilet.

Use different methods and materials

I’m one of those language learners who hate monotony, which isn’t a great trait when learning languages. To be consistent and keep up with my routine, I change and diversify my methods quite often to keep myself engaged.

That’s not to say that you shouldn’t stick with one textbook, because you should.

If you feel like language learning is becoming dull, you should read my 15 ways to make language learning more fun. There, I’ll give you my best tips to keep you engaged and entertained while studying.