If you’re going to purposely go out of your way to learn a second language, you might as well grow thicker skin. Believe me, you’ll need it.
Fact is, you can’t learn a new language in a vacuum. While it might feel that way when first working with your foreign language software, it won’t stay that way for long. Sooner or later, you’ll realize that you need to stretch out and actually use the language outside the confines of your bedroom (or study desk).
You’ll need that thick skin because it takes courage to actually go out and use a new language. Chances are, you’ll go back-and-forth with the decision. Should I hit that German art opening at the gallery where there could be several Dutch-speaking people I could try my new language skills on or just watch American Idol tonight? You know, I do love me some Scotty Mcreery.
You’ll need that thick skin because you’ll fail more than you’ll succeed and you need to brush off that dirty feeling falling flat on your face regularly comes with. You’ll need that thick skin when someone’s laughing because you’re saying something that makes absolutely no sense and you’ll need that thick skin when someone gives you criticism about your use of the language.
The good news is, if you can manage the thick skin, then language acquisition will be all the more easier. One of the biggest roadblocks to many people’s learning, after all, is their reluctance to actually go out and use the target language. With thick skin, nothing can puncture you. It might sting a bit, but you’ll live another day.
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