By Geralde Vincent-Bancroft

If you’ve ever browsed Cristina Lozano’s Substack, you’ll notice a recurring theme: bilingualism comes in many shapes and forms, and the path to proficiency is often more nuanced than most people realize. As someone who has spent years exploring the layers of bilingual identity—eye-rolls included!—Cristina shows that our beliefs about language learning sometimes do more harm than good.

The possibilities of proficiency are incredibly exciting—a gateway to new cultures, real connections, and professional opportunities. But too often, language learners bump into myths that intimidate and distract. Whether you’re puzzling over workplace Spanish, navigating code-switching coffee orders, or simply hoping to “sound less like a tourist,” you’re not alone.

Let’s unravel some of the most common misconceptions about language proficiency, drawn from both research and real bilingual experiences. We’ll debunk harmful myths, spotlight useful strategies, and share tips you can use right away on your own language journey.

Myth 1: “Fluency Equals Perfection”

If you follow Cristina’s writing, you know she’s quick to point out that even the most seasoned interpreters or journalists stumble in their languages. The myth that fluency equals never making a mistake  just isn’t true.

The Reality

Fluency is about meaningful communication, not flawless grammar. Native speakers mess up too—sometimes delightfully! (That viral thread about “making up words” in bilingual households? It’s more real than you think.) Genuine exchanges matter more than grammatical precision.

Practical Tip

Focus on getting your message across—perfection is overrated. Practice with friends, volunteer for translation at community events, or try telling a personal story with your current vocabulary. You’ll quickly see that clarity and connection stand out far more than a textbook accent.

Myth 2: “Native Speakers Are Always the Best Teachers”

Many assume that being a “native” is all it takes. Cristina regularly highlights, both in her posts and interviews, that effective teaching is a skill—one that often comes from facing the same challenges you do as a learner.

The Reality

A non-native teacher might actually relate better to your struggles, having worked through similar hurdles themselves. They can offer learning shortcuts, relatable encouragement, and practical hacks you won’t find in a phrasebook.

Practical Tip

Pick a teacher or language mentor who helps you relax and reflects on their own language journey—native or not. Cristina often shares how learning from those who “look things up all the time” makes the lessons stick.

Myth 3: “You Need to Live in a Country to Become Proficient”

Here’s a misconception Cristina’s community loves to upend. While immersion helps, you don’t need a Paris apartment or a Tokyo work visa to become proficient.

The Reality

Thanks to endless podcasts, language exchange platforms, binge-worthy shows, and even bilingual memes, it’s never been easier to bring the world to you. Many bilinguals build strong proficiency entirely at home—sometimes even in monolingual communities (just check out those stories about growing up bilingual in rural America).

Practical Tip

Turn your home into a mini-immersion hub. Listen to a newscast during breakfast, follow bilingual creators on social, or challenge yourself to write your grocery list in your target language. Layering daily low-pressure exposure—plus actual conversations—builds “real-life” skills, wherever you are.

Myth 4: “Children Learn Languages Faster Than Adults”

This one’s everywhere, but Cristina’s research-backed takes remind us: adults bring a lot to the table.

The Reality

While kids tend to hit the sweet spot of accent and intonation, adults are pros at finding patterns and thinking critically about grammar. A motivated adult, with consistent effort and some curiosity, can outpace a distracted teenager any day.

Practical Tip

Play to your strengths! Use spaced repetition apps (Cristina gives them a shout-out in her posts), write a reflective journal, and set goals that excite you—like watching a soap opera or tackling a tough article. Celebrate your progress, not just your speed.

Myth 5: “Learning One Language Will Interfere With Others”

Bilingual brains are brilliantly adaptable, and “language interference” is often just a stepping-stone to multilingual confidence.

The Reality

Sure, you might borrow a word here or there (who hasn’t?), but your brain learns to separate and even strengthen different languages over time. In fact, learning more than one language can boost your creativity, professional skills, and even problem-solving abilities—just look at the college students juggling Spanish and Mandarin on Cristina’s campus programs.

Practical Tip

Keep different languages “alive” in separate routines—maybe French at work, Spanish on walks, English at dinner. And when you mix them up? Laugh it off! It’s all part of growing your multilingual toolkit.

Myth 6: “You Need to Start Young to Be Proficient”

This persistent myth keeps too many adults on the sidelines. Cristina calls it out often, sharing inspiring anecdotes about late bloomers reaching impressive levels of fluency.

The Reality

People of all ages learn languages and reach high proficiency. The real trick is steady practice, joy in the process, and tools that fit your lifestyle.

Practical Tip

Adopt a growth mindset. Try Duolingo for ten minutes over coffee, send a voice note to a friend, or play “language swap” at your next family dinner. Any step forward counts, and in Cristina’s words, “progress isn’t measured in birthdays.”

Overcoming These Myths: Practical Steps From the Bilingual Trenches

Breaking free from these misconceptions is so much easier when you see language learning as a personal, joyful, and ever-evolving process. Cristina’s Substack is packed with stories of bilinguals who make mistakes, invent new expressions, and keep going anyway. Let’s steal a page from that playbook:

• Set realistic, meaningful goals: Want to watch a show without subtitles or chat with a grandparent? Make that your milestone, not “sounding flawless.”

• Be consistent, not intense: Daily five-minute lessons add up faster than monthly marathons.

• Mix it up: Use music, YouTube channels, conversation groups, and even that favorite recipe in your target language.

• Stay curious: Cristina’s motto is “Always Looking It Up.” Keep learning, experimenting, and laughing at the quirks.

Language proficiency isn’t an unreachable ideal—it’s all about connecting, expressing, and enjoying the journey. The myths? Leave them behind. Trust the process, stay inspired by fellow bilinguals, and remember: every word is one more step into a bigger, brighter world.

 Happy learning!