Why You Should Not Learn Foreign languages?

You’ve heard all the importance of language learning. But does that mean everyone should pick up a foreign tongue?

Not really!

Why?

Let me explain the rationale behind my reasons why you should not learn foreign languages.

Don’t get me wrong — I enjoy learning and teaching languages for the past 14 years.

And I’ll undoubtedly continue to do the same for a long time. This is the only thing I do.

In this ever-connected world, international lingo can enhance all aspects of life—be it immigration, careers involving languages, study abroad, or social and personal life.

To sum up, the prospects of foreign tongues are becoming more gratifying, lucrative, and rewarding.

I’m sure you also like the thought of language acquisition.

And to my knowledge, there are no disadvantages to language learning.

But do you actually need it?

While many have such a requirement, you may not be one of them.

After replying to over 10,000 questions, I feel nearly 20% don’t have any such need. However, since it usually demotivates others, I have postponed this article until now.

9 Genuine Reasons Why not learn foreign languages

I used to be the man on the picket fence, constantly arguing in favor of acquiring a second language.

However, over the years, I have realized that learning how to speak and use a new foreign language is not necessary for many people.

For some, it doesn’t revolutionize your social and professional life.

In short, it is not worthwhile.

The truth is that life is short, and you shouldn’t waste time, money, and energy on something that is not helpful.

Learning a language just for the sake of it rarely works!

I know many pro-second language learners out there who are ready to pounce on me and smash my basket mouth on the lips.

Before you give me Bruce Li’s kick, please take a moment to hear my side of the story.

If you are not yet convinced, here are nine reasons you shouldn’t bother to learn a foreign language.

1. Too many choices make decisions harder

According to Ethnologue, Of 7,111 known living languages, 33 different tongues have at least 50 million speakers.

These account for nearly three-quarters of the world’s population.

So, which language should you consider?

Some argue that since English is the global language, there is no need to pick another one.

Of course, this argument is invalid since roughly 80% of the world population doesn’t speak English.

There is also a genuine case of choosing famous European tongues like French, Spanish, or German.

The Chinese language is in demand, so that is a great option.

K-Pop and K-Drama are fashionable among girls, so youngsters wish to study the Korean language.

And if you’re into anime or Yakitori, then learning Japanese is intriguing.

The cultural aspects provide compelling reasons to learn Italian. Studying Russian implies the proper judgment if you wish to go to Russia.

Did I miss Arabic, Persian, Turkish, or lesser-taught tongues, namely Bahasa, Dutch, Portuguese, Malay, or Scandinavian languages?

The list is endless!

With a growing interest in over a dozen foreign tongues, concluding which one is more suitable for you is tough.

The opinions also vary from one linguist to another expert because of countless variables.

Although the ability to speak a second language opens a world of possibilities, your life does not stop if you don’t.

The fact is that over 90 percent of the world’s population is monolingual or bilingual with limited fluency in the second language.

They are happy being monolingual and seem to get by as larks comfortably speaking only one language.

Many who know only one language flourish in their fields, have families and live happily.

They travel, eat to their satisfaction, and are oblivious that others communicate and express themselves in different tongues and ways.

So, if such a significant number of people can succeed by expressing just one language, why shouldn’t we go with our native tongue amid different discourses?

2. Lack of Motivation and Interest

Motivation and interest are two essential components for learning a second language. Unfortunately, most people lack genuine passion and relatable clarity.

Language is just a medium for achieving a goal, like lucrative language jobs or extra points for gaining a visa or permanent residency in Canada.

While furthering your career is not a bad idea, it is not as motivating as being interested in the language concerned.

While this may seem strange to you, the fact remains that you can only succeed in mastering a task if you have an interest in it.

If you lack passion for languages, you do not have the enthusiasm to study a different language for a long time.

Heck, there are many other essential things to do with your life. The last thing you want now is to spend countless hours and resources studying a foreign language that will yield little or no benefits to your life.

Life is short. Why waste the little time I have on frivolities?

Are you thinking this way, too? Think aloud, buddy!

3. You don’t have enough time to study

Let’s face it: can you succeed in any task without devoting adequate time?

No, you can’t, and that’s just one reason you shouldn’t bother studying a foreign language.

Let’s assume you have a full-time job.

With a demanding profession and a family to look after at home, do you think you will have enough free time to learn a new language?

Will you spend 50 hours monthly for the next three to five years to achieve higher competency in an international language test?

I know you would say, “Hey, some people do it.”

Of course, some do.

But have you observed the success ratio?

It would be close to 5% who have accomplished any meaningful high proficiency level, a prerequisite for a high-paying employment opening.

Leaving it midway wastes time, and you’ll have only yourself to blame when you fail to learn the target language.

Don’t take unnecessary stress since there is a limit the intellect and body can handle.

Consider all the aspects before you start this exciting journey.

If you’re determined and confident, begin by all means. If you know you don’t have enough time, forget the idea of wanting to become a pro in one particular foreign language.

4. You don’t have any requirement

Why should I learn a foreign language when climbing up the next promotion ladder at my workplace is unnecessary?

I’m being considered for a good-paying job in the fashion industry. The employer didn’t ask me to sit for a language class in Italian.

Why should I register for a course to take an Italian language test?

You may not find something that is good enough for your combination of academic qualifications, experience, and language skills.

Besides, you may not know which foreign language will be in demand for your next responsibility.

Here is the catch: if a foreign language isn’t essential to any area of human endeavor, think twice before enrolling in foreign language courses.

5. Language learning is difficult

Let’s return to memory lane: how did you perform in classes?

Were they easy or challenging languages to learn?

Many linguists want you to develop an optimistic mindset to learn a foreign tongue more comfortably. However, the fact remains that no foreign language is easy to understand.

Optimism never eradicates that many language students struggle with vocabulary, syntax, grammar, morphology, dialects, and tones.

The experience can sometimes drive one to the point of insanity.

Unsurprisingly, many language learners shout, “this language is way too hard” or “It ain’t straightforward or manageable enough.”

6. Language classes are Expensive

When you think about expensive courses, you will understand why language learning is a money-consuming machine.

Don’t be deceived; you cannot learn a language without spending much on it unless you’re not keen on mastering that language.

Cheap or free materials online will never do you much better than the well-packaged and structured format offered by recognized and expensive programs provided by educational institutions and experienced teachers.

You have no business delving in if you know you cannot afford such classes, exams, and resources.

Dust your bag and pocket, and say goodbye to that foreign language. Or be prepared to shelve other critical necessities, starve your belly, and fight World War 3 with the warms therein.

7. You’re too old to learn a foreign language

Much research has confirmed that children are far better at learning new languages than adults, and I don’t think it is a language myth either.

When you grow older, your level of assimilation and the brain’s cognitive resonance recede gradually.

You haven’t lost your intellect, but you can’t compete with how a kid’s brain will grasp facts at a specific time on a standard scale.

While children have shallow reasoning, they can easily digest and recall new information with breathtaking ease. However, an old brain appears saddled with all the responsibilities of leading an adult life.

Why should you put your old mind to the stress unless you want to knock and pack it up like a faulty vehicle engine in Mumbai?

8. Lack of language resources to help you

What can a farmer who goes to the farm without a cutlass do?

That’s precisely one of the primary reasons many people who lack resources choose not to learn foreign languages.

Do you want to learn Korean in Mumbai, Dutch in Delhi, or Turkish in Hyderabad?

Guess what?

To my knowledge, no language institute is offering these courses in the respective cities.

It can quickly become frustrating when you feel your advancement stagnates due to inadequate resources.

You can invest in software, apps, books, and instructors with the right cash and time.

You can invest in software, apps, books, and instructors with the right cash and time.

You need a foreign language teacher to listen to, learn how to pronounce words, and follow a systematic approach in the language you choose.

The customized content will help you strike your first conversation in the new language you are learning in as little as seven days.

If you cannot access these similar resources, grab your ideal new language learning thought by the jugular and toss it deep under the bed.

Without support, achieving your new language dream can be challenging. So, it would help if you forgot about it altogether.

9. Language learning takes a freaking long time

People can be very impatient when they begin a new language. Everybody fancies the quick solution!

You might have encountered various clickbait advertisements for courses and apps that promise to teach you a language in a few months.

Don’t fall into the trap! If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

So, How long does it take to learn a new language from scratch?

Depending upon language complexity, your native or related tongue, language learning techniques, enthusiasm, and resources, it usually takes 2 to 5 years to achieve the advanced level in any foreign tongue.

Language education takes time, and miscalculating the time required is one of the main reasons for language learning failure.

Do you have the patience, perseverance, and persistence to study that long?

Well, only you can decide!

Final Thought

Foreign language learning may sound enjoyable and thrilling to the ears.

However, there is more to it than meets the eye. There is a lot you’re not being told.

With so much diversity in communication, the world keeps moving on. So stop wasting your time and resources if you don’t need to learn foreign languages.

Why do you have little or nothing to offer to improve your life?

I completely appreciate your inspiring endeavor if you genuinely want to learn a language despite the abovementioned reasons.

If you do not share my new views on language learning advantages, you can always read my old articles. And let the comments flow like Swahili.