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Learning A Language Is Like Learning To Ride a Bike
For many of us, we learned to ride a bike in the early years of life. We were taught how to ride a bike, and it happened in steps. First, it began with a tricycle . we sat on it not knowing what to do at all until eventually learning how to pedal and liking it. Then, onto going really fast on a tricycle. Then onto a two wheel bike, perhaps with training wheels and assistance from someone. Next we learned how to go fast and to stop so that we don't crash into anyone or anything. Slowly, we became confident and it was time to try without training wheels. One training wheel off, then finally, the next one removed. Voila! Eureka! We are able to ride a bike on our own.
Once we learned how to ride a bike without any assistance or training wheels, that is when the real fun began. Some of us decide to be a little more daring after learning the basics of riding a bike and start doing tricks, wheelies, endos, jumps, BMX races, distance races, 10K bike rides, world tours, etc... However, it all started with the fundamental of riding a bike without assistance.
For those that have stopped riding a bike for a long period of time, the first return to riding a bike again feels like we have lost something. But, a quick refresher revives all that we had learned, and we are riding a bike again in no time flat.
The interesting fact is that once the "barrier" of riding a bike without assistance had been crossed, there is no way to go back to the days of not knowing how to ride a bike. We know how to ride a bike forever.
Steps to Breaking Language Barrier
We believe that language is learned in very much the same way as learning how to ride a bike. At first when we are presented with a new language, we hear it and see it and have no idea what we are listening to and seeing. We cannot understand anything. After little exposure to the language, we start to hear the sounds of the language, and understand some of the basic words and phrases (like hello, how are you, good morning, etc.). After more practice with the language we can begin to formulate our own phrases and ideas within the language (with correction from others that already know the language).
Eventually, we are able to start thinking in the language. For common situations, we find that we have a command in the language and can stand on our own. Then, as our vocabulary builds, we began to feel confident in more situations. Many situations present themselves and have been presented before.
Here are the key steps to breaking the language barrier
Start off with little or no knowledge of the language
Create an environment to be exposed to the language as much as possible
Invest in resources to learn the language
Practice the language as much as possible
Test your knowledge of the language by practicing and self-tests
Make mistakes and allow others to correct them
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