In this video we're going to be talking
about motivation in language learning.
(upbeat music)
Hi, I'm Mark from Coffee Break Languages,
and I'm having my coffee break this morning with you.
Today, we're talking about motivation.
We hear about motivation all the time.
Whether it's about motivational speakers we're listening to,
or #mondaymotivation images on Instagram we're looking at,
and sometimes it feels
like we're supposed to be motivated all the time,
especially when it comes to language learning!
Motivation is defined as
"what explains why people or animals initiate, continue,
or terminate a certain behavior at a particular time."
It's the reason behind the decisions we make,
and we make so many decisions every day.
We choose to have an ice cream to cool down
in the middle of a heat wave;
we choose to walk to work rather than drive
in order to take a step towards a more healthy lifestyle;
and we choose to learn the language for so many reasons.
Perhaps there's some kind of extrinsic motivation involved
in your reason for learning a language.
By reaching a certain level,
perhaps you're in line for a promotion.
Or maybe you're working towards passing an exam,
which will open up a particular door for you.
On the other hand, maybe your motivation is intrinsic.
Perhaps you've chosen to learn the language
simply because you enjoy discovering new things,
or because it's great fun.
Personally, I don't think motivation is a definitive,
stationary concept.
It can often change,
and one type of motivation can result in another.
If I think back to when I started learning French
in my first year of secondary school,
my motivation was to do well and pass my exams,
and keep my parents happy.
But over time,
I realized how much I enjoyed learning the language,
and I quickly pushed myself further,
simply because it brought me pleasure,
because I enjoyed it.
The other aspect of motivation which changes constantly
is the amount of motivation we have
for a particular activity like language learning.
What is it that makes you think,
"no, I am not going to watch another episode
of whichever Netflix show I'm currently obsessed with.
Instead, I'm going to spend the next 30 minutes
on my French adjective agreements
or my Italian subjunctive, instead."
It's almost like reaching a crossroads
and making the decision to turn left towards Netflix,
or turn right towards your language learning,
and taking the next step
in building your vocabulary that bit more,
or finally understanding the preceding direct object rule.
Of course, sometimes,
our motivation seems to pack its bags
and head off for a fortnight in the sun
on a beach in the Mediterranean,
leaving us struggling to get back
into our good language learning routines.
At times like this,
it's really difficult to take the right turn.
And I think that, as language learners,
we often treat this as a setback.
We're hard on ourselves
because we feel that we're not moving forward.
But here's the thing.
I believe that sometimes
the right language learning decision
is actually to watch the Netflix show,
to read the book,
to go out for a walk,
or do whatever it is
that doesn't feel like language learning.
Now, that may seem a little bit counterproductive,
counterintuitive,
but working against the tide
and trying desperately to find that motivation
when it's off enjoying itself without us
can end up pushing us further away from our end goal.
The fact is,
sometimes it's actually
in that change of scenery
that we rediscover the motivation we thought we'd lost.
I'm sure this has happened to you.
Perhaps you've chosen to read a book,
but there's suddenly a new character introduced
in chapter three,
who is a Swedish speaker.
And she mentions the town of Örebro,
which you've recently heard about in your Swedish lessons.
Or perhaps you're watching a film
and you suddenly find yourself thinking of a phrase used
in the script
and wondering how you'd translate that into French.
Maybe you've gone out for some fresh air
and you happen to walk past a family
who are speaking Italian,
and you realise that you can understand some
of what they're saying.
Before you know it,
your mind starts to think about your language learning,
and you're back on track.
So my message to you is
that you shouldn't worry too much
if you find yourself losing some of that motivation
for learning.
If this happens, try not to force yourself back
into the language
and generate some kind of false enthusiasm.
There's nothing worse,
because it doesn't last.
Instead, give it some time,
give yourself some space,
do something different,
and the chances are you'll discover
that your motivation is simply waiting for you patiently
in the least likely place.
I'd love to hear what you think.
What is your motivation for learning the language?
Has this changed over time?
Have you lost and found your motivation at any point?
Do you have any ideas as to what would help you get
back your motivation after losing it?
Let me know what you think in the comments.
In the meantime,
thanks for watching this video.
If you've enjoyed it, make sure you like it.
And while you're here,
I'd love you to subscribe
to our Coffee Break Languages channel,
to get more help with your language learning.
Of course, as ever, happy coffee breaking
and happy language learning.
And who knows,
perhaps this video was exactly the motivation you needed
to get back into your language.
(upbeat music)