A pause in learning a foreign language

Pause in Learning a Foreign Language: What to Do and How to Return

Imagine you are studying a foreign language, such as English, and then decide to take a break and stop studying. There could be a thousand reasons. We promise ourselves that we will return soon. But time passes, and our language proficiency declines. You just completed an intermediate level and received a certificate, but a year later, upon returning to classes, you will receive a certificate for the same level.

What Can Be the Breaks in Learning a Foreign Language?

• Short-term breaks – up to 2 months;
• Long-term breaks – more than 2 months

Although literature presents various opinions on breaks in language learning, experience suggests that after 2 months, forgetting the material progresses more rapidly.

Reasons for Breaks in Learning a Foreign Language

• You believe you have learned everything and there is nothing more to study. This usually applies to advanced levels of language proficiency.
• You are tired and want to take a break.
• When you are focused on more important matters, such as personal life, a new job, or moving.

In the first case, understand that learning an entire language is impossible. And it is even more impossible to know it for life without regular practice. If you do not want to continue studying, then maintain it at an acceptable level. Everything is forgotten over time.

And how can you say that you have learned everything? Take any book, open it, and start reading. It can be confidently said that you will not know a few percent of the words and will understand them only from the context. Are you really sure that you have learned the language?

The second reason - you are bored. This means you have studied the language in an uninteresting form. Yes, you did your homework, attended classes. And that's it! So, change the form of learning. For example, attend a speaking club. Even better, go abroad to study the language while combining it with a vacation. In other words, do something you haven't done before.

The third reason - important matters. Priorities in life change. But determine what is more important. If the role of English in your life plans is still significant, then find at least 30 minutes a day, and your language level will not decline. When you return to regular studies, it will be much easier.

If You Are Taking a Break from Learning a Foreign Language, Follow These Tips

• Communicate in English: If you have friends or acquaintances who can correct you and point out mistakes, that's great.
• Have a "day of English" at home: Try to spend an entire day communicating in English.
• Listen to news and songs: Write down new words. Retell a news broadcast you watched to a friend, but in the language you are learning. Learn a song. Play games in English that use a lot of vocabulary, especially if you are also interacting with someone from another country.
• Learn the language while doing everyday tasks: For example, you are washing dishes. How do you say this in English? And how about a dish scrubber?
• Attend interesting events in your city: Check out film festivals, exhibitions, and other events organized by embassies or foreign cultural centers in your city.
• Conduct voluntary tours in English in your city: This is a popular format in Europe. You prepare for the tour, learn the vocabulary and necessary information. Post an announcement on specialized websites. Surprisingly, people will come. You can conduct it either for free or even earn tips at the end of the tour.
• Organize an event yourself: For example, a movie screening, a speaking club, or a numismatics club, and invite foreigners living in the city.

Don't forget about the role of family. If you are married and have children, try learning English together. This will increase your chances of success. And spend at least 15 minutes a day, and your journey in learning English will become easier.