WEEK 13
WHAT SHAPES LANGUAGE LEARNING
When I
think about what it takes to learn a new language, I realise it's a deeply
personal journey. Several factors immediately come to mind as major influences:
motivation, the similarity between the learner’s first language and the target
language, their language background, and the environment in which the learning
occurs.
First,
motivation is a powerful driver. Why is this person learning the language? Are
they excited to connect with a new culture, as we know, we cannot separate
language from culture, like Sofia, who wanted to make new friends? Or is it a
more practical need, like Carlos aiming to integrate into German society? In my
experience, people with a personal desire to connect tend to stick with it
longer. That kind of intrinsic motivation changes everything.
Another
major factor is the learner's first language and overall language background.
If the new language shares grammar or phonetic similarities with their native
tongue, it can feel more intuitive, as their first language provides a kind of
blueprint. But if it’s completely different — like Carlos struggling with
German grammar — it becomes a much steeper climb, requiring them to build new
mental pathways from scratch. This cognitive challenge holds true even for
children. While both Sofia and Carlos have language backgrounds that differ
significantly from their target languages, Sofia has an advantage: for her,
the Critical Period of Language Acquisition – a theory suggesting
there’s an optimal window in childhood for naturally acquiring language – is
still open, which will likely make her journey smoother compared to an adult
learning later in life.
The
environment where learning happens also plays a huge role. For both Sofia and
Carlos, living in a country where the target language is dominant provides a
powerful form of daily immersion. This can be further intensified in a
structured setting, like Sofia’s bilingual school, which makes a world of
difference. But even outside of a full immersion context, such as in a
traditional classroom, it’s vital to create a space that encourages meaningful
interaction, where learners feel safe to make mistakes and build the confidence
to actually use the language.
So, what’s
the most important factor of all? Some people talk about having a “gift for
languages,” and I agree 100% with it; it’s true—not everyone excels at everything, and we shouldn't
ignore that. But to me, it all comes down to motivation. It’s the engine that
powers everything else. Without that inner fire, even the best conditions might
not be enough. Let’s say someone left their country against their will, running
from a war—their journey could be much harder, as they might not have had the
chance to choose where they were going. They didn’t want to leave, and they
might not even be interested in learning a new language. This lack of a sense
of belonging can directly affect their motivation, making the language learning
process feel painful and emotionally charged. As I always tell my students,
language learning isn’t an exact science — it’s flexible, and it always depends
on the individual.
This
reflection makes me think about how we, as future teachers, can best support
our students. I believe we should use their first language as a bridge, not a
barrier. We can create classrooms that are genuinely communicative and connect
with their interests. Most importantly, we must be flexible and acknowledge
that every learner is different — our job is to build spaces where each student
feels seen, supported, and empowered on their unique path.
___________________________________________________________________________________
The text above is a transcribed and revised version of my original oral journal entry, based on the suggestions provided. The feedback for the original version is presented below
Hi Eri!
Wow — this final reflection was
exceptionally rich, both in content and heart. You’ve truly captured the human
side of second language acquisition, balancing theoretical insights with
empathy and awareness of real-life learner experiences. Your use of fictional
examples like Sophia and Carlos really made your points come alive in a
relatable way.
Here’s what stood out beautifully
in your work:
Strengths
- Depth
and nuance: You went beyond listing factors—you explored them with care.
Your analysis of motivation, L1 background, and environment felt not only
accurate but emotionally intelligent, which is just as
important when thinking about teaching.
- Storytelling
approach: Sophia and Carlos added a narrative layer to your analysis that
helped ground theoretical ideas in human experience. These examples made
your reflection memorable, and they also showed a high level of critical
thinking.
- Empathy
in teaching: Your final message—about creating safe, communicative, and
inclusive classrooms—was inspiring. You're already thinking like a teacher
who puts students' emotional and linguistic needs at the center. That’s
something truly powerful.
- Clarity
and flow: Your language was clear, well-paced, and natural. You conveyed
complex ideas without sounding mechanical or textbook-like—your voice and
personality really came through.
Suggestions for Future Growth
- At
times, a few phrases could be polished for conciseness or accuracy. For
example, “Carlos struggling with. German. Comma” seems like a
transcription hiccup, and “clients it it's flexible” could be “since it’s
flexible.” Nothing major—just things to revise if writing it out.
- A
minor note: it could be interesting to briefly define the Critical Period
Hypothesis for the reader/listener who may not be familiar with it. You
referenced it smoothly, but adding a short explanation would strengthen
your academic clarity.
Final thought: Eri, this is more
than a journal — it’s a manifesto for compassionate teaching. Your awareness of
how motivation, personal background, and context shape language learning will
make you a thoughtful and impactful educator. Keep reflecting, keep connecting,
and never underestimate the value of seeing your students as whole people.
You're on a beautiful path. Keep
going.
