TaskHuman Talks: Embracing Your Language Learning Journey

“Language is an incredible journey that opens up your mind and heart completely.”

In this TaskHuman Talks Podcast episode, Jamie Carroll speaks with language coaches Flaminia Munafo and Dajana Fajsi about the challenges and rewards of learning a new language in adulthood, and how it contributes to valuable personal and professional growth.

For Coach Dajana, learning a new language was essential to move abroad for a job opportunity, which was the first part of a longer journey traveling to different countries and embracing new languages. Coach Flaminia grew up in a bilingual household and pursued additional language learning in her teens. 

Regardless of where you are on your language journey, these coaches have a wealth of knowledge to share and inspire you!

Neuroplasticity & Language Acquisition

Unsurprisingly, the more we use the brain, the more it grows! Learning a new language can be a powerful way to improve neuroplasticity, enhancing the brain’s overall executive functioning to develop memory and problem-solving. 

Overcoming Challenges To Learning A New Language

Have you tried to learn a new language with all the best intentions, but lost momentum along the way? You’re not alone. Other common challenges can include: fear of making mistakes, not using the language frequently enough, lacking achievable goals, and not having the time to dedicate to it. 

Dajana and Flaminia share tips for staying on track:

• Dedicate 10-15 minutes a day to reinforce the learning (regularity over time through regular practice—versus practicing in large chunks of time infrequently—will have the most impact)

• Embrace imperfect pronunciation

• Listen to music, audiobooks, or podcasts in a different language and jot down 5 words that are new to you (and put them somewhere you see them)

• Work with a coach often

• Have fun!

Immersing Yourself & Finding The Right Coach

How do you truly immerse yourself in a language if you can’t physically travel to a country that speaks the language? Fortunately, TaskHuman has language coaches who have traveled to and visited 10+ countries. This exposure to difficult cultures and second-hand language immersion will directly benefit you and your learning!

Dajana also affirms that learning goes far beyond learning grammar, vocabulary, phrases, idioms, and general communication tools. It can transform your mindset and the way you approach certain situations: “It is actually learning how to shape and adapt yourself to a completely different mentality, completely different customs. And most of all, you kind of learn how to bring up a new mindset.”

Practical Application & Maintaining Momentum In Language Learning

Don’t underestimate the power of different types of language immersion, like watching movies and shows. For Flaminia, this helped to build critical momentum in her language-learning journey. “Motivation is actually everything. It’s truly like the key to success…especially language learning.” 

Dajana and Flaminia share final tips to inspire your journey:

• Reconnect to your “why”

• Celebrate milestones (no matter how small)

• Normalize making mistakes

• Strive for progress over perfection

• Stick with it! 

Connect with these amazing coaches to embark on your language learning journey today by connecting to new cultures, meeting new people, and broadening your perspective.

Engage with the full podcast recording below:

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