Episode 63: Trust (but Verify) Your Language Knowledge
Mar 25, 2024
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Exploring the balance between trusting language knowledge and verifying facts. Discussing mistakes in resources and regional language variances. Emphasizing the importance of trusting oneself while staying open to corrections. Encouraging language learners to embrace imperfections and focus on progress.
Verifying information in language learning resources can help combat self-doubt and ensure accuracy.
Understanding regional language variations and peer corrections can contribute to self-doubt but also promote learning and growth.
Deep dives
Self-doubt due to mistakes in teaching resources
Discovering errors in teaching resources can lead to self-doubt in language learners. The podcast host shared an experience where a word mentioned in a listening exercise was not actually present, causing her immense self-doubt. This situation raised questions about the reliability of resources and the impact of mistakes on learner confidence. The experience highlighted the importance of verifying information in language learning to combat self-doubt.
Challenges with peer corrections and regional language differences
Peer corrections and regional language variations can contribute to self-doubt in language learners. The host discussed instances where peers with higher language proficiency corrected her inaccurately due to regional differences or evolving language usage. These experiences emphasized the complexity of language learning and the need to navigate corrections with confidence and understanding. Understanding regional language variations and the influence of lived experiences can help learners overcome self-doubt.
Building confidence in language learning
Developing confidence in language learning involves overcoming insecurities and acknowledging mistakes as part of the learning process. The podcast encouraged learners to trust their language skills while recognizing the fallibility of resources and advanced speakers. By shifting focus from perfection to continuous learning and verification, learners can build confidence, embrace challenges, and approach language learning with curiosity. Confidence in one's abilities leads to growth and a positive language learning journey.
Do you find that you doubt yourself way more than you believe in yourself when it comes to your language knowledge and skills? I certainly do, and it isn't always warranted. No matter your level, I think we can all find a balance in our language lives where we can trust what we know and also take time to verify when we come across something in the language that doesn't seem right.
The thing is, all language resources have mistakes and/or language variance. Textbooks have printing errors, tutors and teachers also make mistakes, and then there are just differences in how languages are spoken within various regions or spans of time. When we come across these things, if we immediately doubt ourselves and doubt our abilities, then it just makes our learning journey more difficult and much less joyful. I think we can find a sweet spot where we trust the "pros" but also trust ourselves.
Where to find me: Love, Joy, and Languages Blog
All podcast episodes can be found here.
Instagram: @love.joyandlanguages
X (Twitter): @LoveJoy_Lang
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