Veteran Language Learners and Published Language Methods

When it comes to using a published language learning method, it makes a very big difference whether you are experienced at studying languages or not. A veteran language learner will use those methods in very different ways than a beginner does. Or maybe I should say that a beginner expects a lot more from it than the veteran does.

Most published methods (software, audio courses, etc) are generally made for the beginner. They are designed to lead along beginners by the hand, spoon-feeding them their new language in small effortless doses.

This is great if you are a beginner. But the veteran has already finely honed the skill set required for language learning and can advance quicker than most published methods allow.

Few published methods include much material for intermediate and advanced learners. More experienced language learners seek out those methods that do, or use a lower level program which they know will give them the right foundation to build upon.

But they will also use other sources to learn from. Using their preferred methods as a base, they will smartly fill in the gaps with grammar books, listening to a lot of audio and extensive reading after the initial steps into the language.

Methods have their place, but complete reliance on them is a no-no for the veteran language learner.

What can we learn from this?

Don't rely on one just method. Look beyond it and use complementary materials to study and learn from. Listen to a lot of real-life audio and read a lot. It's not hard to find material and it's free. Don't expect one language method to do everything, and don't expect to sit back and do nothing. You still have to work at it.