Research suggests that it takes anywhere from 400 to 2,200 hours which could mean a few months or a few years to learn a new language. Unfortunately there’s no simple answer as to how long it takes to learn a new language. There are many factors that can influence the amount of time needed such as the difficulty of the language, the desired proficiency, the attitude and diligence of the user and the method of learning.
Languages have unique alphabets, rhythms, grammar rules and pronunciation making some much more challenging to learn than others. Chinese and Arabic are most difficult for native English speakers to learn because they share very few common traits with English and have complex rules and structures. The Foreign Service Institute (FSI) places languages into five categories ranked by difficulty (how similar it is to English) to aid in estimating how long it takes a native English speaker to learn.
Language proficiency measures an individual’s ability to communicate in a language when speaking, reading, writing and listening. Some will be interested in basic proficiency that might allow them to travel to a foreign country easier, while others will desire high levels, up to professional proficiency allowing them to read, write and speak equivalent to a native speaker. The Foreign Service Institute (FSI) offers rating scales to categorize levels of proficiency for new language learners.
Language proficiency can be developed in a variety of settings, including independent study, one-on-one sessions, group lessons and immersive experiences. Every learner will develop speaking, reading, listening and writing skills at different rates. Whether you’re self-taught or attend classes, conversational experience and feedback is a valuable tool for becoming proficient and the best way to do that is to surround yourself by native speakers.
Again there’s no specific answer here, but one of the absolute best ways to gain proficiency is to study the language abroad. Immersion-based learning means learning a language in the most authentic and natural way possible, ideally living in the country where it is spoken. Immersion is a great way to learn because it allows you to truly experience almost all aspects of life in the language you’re learning.
Some folks spending time in a foreign country will avoid situations that force them out of their comfort zone due to the language barrier. Immersion is about being engaged. You can surround yourself with something without ever interacting with it; immersion is living in and engaging and interacting with the world through another language. It’s doing all the things you would normally do, only in another language. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that travel brings automatic results, just being there does not make you immersed.
Being able to interact with native speakers and constantly develop proficiency by adding new vocabulary and contexts to your understanding is a big part of the learning process. When you’re learning a new language, gestures, body language and context are also at the heart of language learning. We rely heavily on people’s body language in order to connect with them and understand them better, yet another reason why being immersed in the native culture and communities is such a beneficial way to learn.
Where There Be Dragons offers language immersion trips as a part of our summer abroad and gap year programs. Let us help you decide which of our one of a kind programs is best for you. Call 800.982.9203 or contact us today.