The power of combining both
By Geralde Vincent-Bancroft
Learning a foreign language can be an incredibly rewarding experience. It opens doors to new cultures, expands horizons, and builds connections with people from around the world. But how do we best acquire a new language? Is it through endless textbook study or is there something more to it?
In this blog post, we’ll explore the importance of both conscious and unconscious efforts in language learning and provide practical tips to help you become a confident communicator in your target language.
Understanding Conscious and Unconscious Effort in language learning
When it comes to language learning, conscious effort refers to deliberate and focused activities that aim to improve specific aspects of a language. This includes studying grammar rules, memorizing vocabulary lists, and practicing sentence structures. These activities require active engagement and concentration to acquire new knowledge and skills.
In the classroom, we acquire communication skills through explicit instruction and systematic study, and this conscious effort is what we typically refer to as learning.
On the other hand, language acquisition occurs in an intuitive and subconscious manner, much like how children learn their native language. It is a natural process that doesn’t necessitate conscious effort or formal instruction. Instead, it happens incidentally and often without our awareness. Children start speaking by simply being exposed to the language and engaging with their surroundings, without relying on grammar lessons.
Unconscious effort in language learning happens naturally through immersion and daily life experiences. While conscious effort involves intentional learning, unconscious effort occurs effortlessly as we absorb the language through exposure. This includes listening to native speakers, reading books or articles, watching movies or TV shows, and engaging in conversations with fluent speakers.
The Benefits of Combining Conscious and Unconscious Efforts
By combining both conscious and unconscious efforts, language learners can enhance their overall language acquisition process. Here are some benefits of adopting this dual approach:
Comprehensive Understanding:
Conscious effort helps learners grasp the structure and rules of a language, while unconscious effort exposes them to authentic language usage and cultural nuances. This combination allows for a deeper understanding of the language as a whole.
Improved Fluency:
Conscious learning lays the foundation for accuracy and precision, while unconscious learning helps develop fluency and natural expression. By combining these two approaches, learners can achieve a balance between accuracy and fluency, essential for effective communication.
Cultural Sensitivity:
Unconscious learning through immersion promotes cultural awareness and understanding. As learners become more exposed to the language and its native speakers, they also gain insights into cultural norms, expressions, and customs, enabling them to communicate more effectively in social contexts.
Practical Tips for Combining Conscious and Unconscious Efforts in language
By gaining insights into how we acquire knowledge and learn, we can enhance our abilities as learners and optimize our performance.
The language immersion experience of the past required us to travel to countries where the language was spoken. However, with the advent of the internet, we now have the luxury of accessing a wide range of learning materials in various formats and seamlessly interacting in the language we are studying.
The online world has made it much more convenient and accessible for language learners to immerse themselves in their target language without leaving the comfort of their homes.
To enhance your language learning journey, here are some practical tips that incorporate both conscious and unconscious efforts:
Listen to Music:
Immerse yourself in the target language by listening to songs and paying attention to the lyrics. This helps improve pronunciation, vocabulary, and rhythm while allowing you to connect emotionally with the language.
Watch Movies and TV Shows:
Engage in authentic language usage by watching movies, TV shows, or online videos in the target language. You can u initially for comprehension, but gradually try to rely on your listening skills alone.
Speak with Fluent Speakers:
Find opportunities to have conversations with fluent speakers of the target language. Language exchange programs, conversation partners, or language cafes can provide valuable practice and exposure to real-life communication.
Attend Language Classes:
Enrol in language classes that focus on the specific language you’re learning. The structured approach will help you grasp grammar rules, expand vocabulary, and practice speaking with fellow learners.
Engage in Language Apps:
Utilize language learning apps that provide a combination of formal lessons and interactive exercises. These apps often incorporate both conscious and unconscious learning techniques, making it easier to integrate them into your daily routine.
Consistency and Dedication: Key Ingredients for Success
While combining conscious and unconscious efforts is vital, consistency and dedication are equally important. Learning a language is a marathon, not a sprint. Set realistic goals, create a study schedule, and stick to it. Embrace the challenges along the way and celebrate every milestone you achieve.
As a language learner myself, I understand the struggles and triumphs that come with the journey. When I was learning Italian, I dedicated time to study grammar and vocabulary consciously, but my true progress came through immersion during my travels in Italy. The combination of both techniques helped me maintain focus and motivation, ultimately leading to fluency.
Remember, language learning is a continuous process. Embrace every opportunity to practice, never be afraid to make mistakes, and celebrate your progress along the way.
By combining conscious and unconscious efforts, you’ll unlock the potential to become a confident and proficient speaker in your target language.