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When it comes to learning a new language, many people make the mistake of focusing too much on memorizing vocabulary lists or studying grammar rules in isolation. While these aspects are important, they are only part of the equation. The real magic of language learning happens when you start using the language in real-life conversations.
1.35 billion people speak English in the world: the majority aren't native English speakers
Think about it: how many people around the world speak English, even if their vocabulary is limited and their grammar is not perfect? A lot! In fact, many non-native English speakers can hold conversations, ask questions, and express themselves quite well with a relatively small vocabulary and basic grammar. How do they manage to do that?
It’s simple: they have the need to speak. They practice real-world communication, often in everyday situations, where they can express themselves, make mistakes, and keep improving through real conversations. Speaking gives them the confidence and context they need to continue building on what they know. The secret to fluency isn’t perfect grammar; it’s practice, real-time feedback, and adapting the language to your unique needs.
The Pitfall of Focusing Too Much on Grammar and Perfectionism
On the other hand, many learners struggle because they focus too much on memorizing grammar rules or trying to speak perfectly before they’ve had the chance to practice in real conversations. Here’s why this approach doesn’t work as effectively:
Lack of Context: Vocabulary and grammar learned without context are harder to remember and apply. If you’ve ever memorized a list of words or conjugation rules without knowing how they fit into real-life situations, you know how easily they slip away.
No Practice: Without speaking, language learning is theoretical. You might know all the rules, but without practice, you’ll struggle to communicate. Speaking, even imperfectly, is essential to learning.
Fear of Mistakes: If you focus too much on getting everything right before you speak, you’ll hold yourself back. The truth is that you’ll always make mistakes when learning a language—and that’s part of the process. The more you speak, the more you’ll improve and the less afraid you will be!
The Lingodrops Approach: 80% Conversation, 20% Grammar
This is where our philosophy at Lingodrops comes in. We focus on 80% conversation and 20% grammar because we believe that to truly learn a language, you need to speak it as much as possible. Here’s why our approach works:
Real Conversations Lead to Real Progress: The more you speak, the more you understand. It’s through real conversations that you start making connections between words and phrases, developing a sense of the language that goes beyond rote memorization.
Grammar Becomes Intuitive: While grammar is certainly important, it doesn’t need to be the primary focus. By practicing conversation, grammar starts to make sense naturally. You'll intuitively start to understand word order, conjugations, and sentence structure as you use the language in context, rather than memorizing abstract rules.
Increased Confidence: Every conversation is a chance to gain confidence. Even if you only understand a little at first, you’ll improve each time you speak. Plus, when you're actively speaking, you’ll receive feedback from teachers and conversation partners that helps you grow.
It’s Fun and Engaging: Language learning becomes less of a chore when you’re actually using the language. At Lingodrops, we make sure to keep things engaging and enjoyable by focusing on topics and real-life conversations that are interesting to you. No more endless vocabulary lists or dry grammar exercises—just practical, enjoyable language practice.
Practice Makes Perfect: Speak More, Learn Faster
Ultimately, learning a language is about using it in real life. And the more you speak, the faster you’ll learn. That’s why we focus on providing opportunities for conversation from day one. Whether you’re chatting with a tutor, participating in a language exchange, or just having casual conversations with friends, speaking the language regularly is the key to unlocking fluency.
At Lingodrops, we empower our students by focusing on meaningful, real-life conversations. Our method ensures that you spend less time memorizing lists and more time engaging with the language. By speaking often and practicing in context, you’ll find that your confidence and abilities grow naturally.
So, if you’re looking to learn Italian—or any language, for that matter—remember: it’s not about how much you know, it’s about how much you speak. Start speaking today, and watch your language skills soar.
Would you like to take the next step and practice speaking with us? Get in touch for a free trial lesson and start your journey toward conversational fluency today!
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