Curiosity: An Essential Second Language Acquisition Strategy

The Secret Trait Shared by Effective Second Language Learners

Welcome, aspiring polyglot! While there are many second language strategies, there are few that compare with the proper weaponization of one's own curiosity. Proper utilization of your natural curiosity will take you far in any field of study, language learning is no exception to this rule. Endeavoring to learn a foreign language is difficult enough, but without curiosity it becomes that much more difficult.

Asking questions is great, but asking the right questions is better. When you really pay attention to the language you are learning, you will notice idiosyncrasies in the grammar structure and the vocabulary words. Asking why in those scenarios will prove beneficial irrespective of your learning style. Though a certain amount of bravery is required to employ this specific strategy.

Bravery in the face of harsh self evaluation

At the end of the day, you will inevitably be your own harshest critic. Even though this is expected, it can still be quite the battle and that is why so many people find themselves saying, "I can read and understand the language, but I can't speak". If that sounds like something you have said before, then there are some things you should know.