Blog post on language learning
3 Mindset Shifts to Keep Language Learning Fun
Have you ever spent hours studying a language but felt like you’re going in circles? You might dream of chatting freely, expressing yourself naturally and simply feeling confident speaking the language altogether. But when progress feels slow, these goals feel entirely out of reach.
When I first started studying Japanese, I would find myself revisiting the same sections over and over, wondering if my efforts were adding up. Every time I’d come across a new app or book, I hoped it would be the resource that would help me move forward.
Over time, I realised that it isn’t about finding a better app or book, or squeezing in more hours of studying into a single day; it’s about shifting how you approach learning and the way you connect with the language. When you do this, momentum comes naturally, even on days when motivation feels low.
Here are three ways to shift your mindset and keep your learning moving forward:
1. Prioritise learning smart, not just hard
Learning a new language isn’t about memorising long lists, but about studying in ways that make learning stick.
With so many resources out there, it can be hard to figure out which ones to try. A helpful approach is to focus on activities you enjoy and use them in ways that make your study active and practical.
For example:
- TV shows: instead of simply watching, pause after a line and mimic the pronunciation, intonation and natural pacing of the speaker. You could also rewatch scenes without subtitles to really train your ear.
- Books: read passages out loud and try recording yourself to hear and practise your pronunciation.
- Music: sing along to songs you like, paying attention to how words flow and sound.
- Writing: try writing about your day in the language, then read it out loud and record yourself, and keep practising!
- Games: learn through quizzes and interactive challenges. There are lots of great apps out there that let you practise vocabulary and phrases and learn the language in short, fun bursts.
Focused, active learning can go a long way than an hour of silent study! It’s not about memorising, but about noticing patterns and tuning into the sounds that makes the language come alive. And when you do it in a way you enjoy, learning sticks better.
2. Make the language part of your everyday
Some days, motivation just feels low. But even when it is, there are ways to keep the discipline of studying going and let the language drift naturally into your everyday life:
- Stick post-it notes on objects around your home with the words or the characters you’re learning.
- Label everyday items, like bottles, doors, and switches. Try labelling words that might not be as obvious, like faucets, door handles and drawer knobs.
- Change your phone, laptop, or social media accounts to the language you’re learning.
On days when you feel tempted to skip studying, you’ll still be picking up words, phrases, and patterns without realising it.
3. Remember that you don’t have to learn it all at once
Do you ever feel disappointed if don’t grasp what you’re learning right away? It’s easy to put pressure on yourself to get it right, or feel frustrated if things don’t click immediately. But when you let go of that expectation, progress often comes more naturally.
Remember that learning is a journey, not a finish line! What matters most is fully immersing yourself in what you’re learning, whether it’s a few focused minutes or a longer study session. Every word you learn, every sentence you practice, is a small step forward.
Summary
Mindset makes all the difference in keeping the momentum. When progress feels slow, try mixing up your approach to keep studying fun, and actively engage with the activity you’re doing so you get the most out of it.