7 myths about learning a new language debunked

Charlotte Guest
Charlotte Guest
A man looking at a openlaptop with a pen in hand, smiling at the laptop
Reading time: 3 minutes

Learning a new language can be an incredibly rewarding experience, opening doors to new cultures, enhancing career opportunities and providing cognitive benefits. However, many myths about language learning can discourage potential learners or lead them astray. Today, we're debunking seven common language learning myths to help you on your linguistic journey.

Myth 1: "You need to start young to be fluent"

Truth:

It's never too late to learn a new language. While children may pick up accents and intonation more easily, adults often have the advantage of better-developed cognitive skills and life experiences that can aid in understanding complex grammar and vocabulary. Numerous studies have shown that adults can achieve fluency with dedication and the right learning strategies.

Myth 2: "You have to live in a country to learn the language"

Truth:

Thanks to technology, you can immerse yourself in a new language without leaving your home. Tools like language learning apps, online courses, virtual tutors and even social media can provide ample opportunities for practice and immersion. Living in a country where the language is spoken can be beneficial, but it is not a necessity.

Myth 3: "You must be naturally gifted to learn languages"

Truth:

Language learning is less about innate talent and more about consistent practice and effective methods. Anyone can learn a new language with the right mindset and resources. Persistence, motivation and using varied learning techniques can significantly enhance your ability to learn.

Myth 4: "It's all about memorizing vocabulary"

Truth:

While vocabulary is essential, language learning involves much more than rote memorization. Understanding grammar, practicing speaking and listening, and getting a feel for cultural nuances are equally important. Engaging in conversations, reading and writing in the language can make the learning process more holistic and enjoyable.

Myth 5: "You can't learn multiple languages at once"

Truth:

Learning multiple languages simultaneously is possible, though it does require careful planning and organization. The key is to manage your time effectively and ensure that you are not overwhelming yourself. Using different methods and tools for each language can help keep them distinct in your mind.

Myth 6: "Watching movies and listening to music doesn't count as learning"

Truth:

Consuming media in your target language can be an excellent way to improve your listening skills and cultural understanding. Movies, TV shows, music and podcasts expose you to natural language usage, slang and colloquial expressions that textbooks may not cover. It's a fun and engaging complementary method to more formal study.

Myth 7: "If you can't speak perfectly, don't try"

Truth:

Perfectionism can be a significant barrier to language learning. Making mistakes is a natural part of the learning process. The more you practice speaking, the more confident and proficient you'll become. Focus on communication rather than perfection, and don't be afraid to make errors—they're your stepping stones to fluency.

Conclusion

By debunking these myths, we hope to encourage more people to take up the challenge of learning a new language. Remember, the most important factors are consistency, practice and a willingness to learn from mistakes.

Ready to tackle a new language? Start today and immerse yourself in the endless possibilities that come with being multilingual. 

Learn a new language today with Mondy by Pearson

More blogs from Pearson

  • Man working in office looking at papers
    How the Slate and PTE partnership is streamlining admissions for greater efficiency
    By Alice Bazzi
    Reading time: 4 minutes

    Admissions teams today are under increasing pressure to ensure the application process is done quickly, fairly and at scale, without compromising integrity or student experience. As international applicant volumes increase and digital processes become the norm, efficiency across admissions workflows has never been more critical. 

    That is why the recent partnership between Slate and PTE aims to simplify the process of receiving, reviewing and trusting English language test results. 

    A shared focus on admissions efficiency 

    Slate is widely used by higher education institutions across the United States to manage the full student lifecycle, from initial inquiry through enrollment. Admissions teams rely on Slate to centralize data, reduce manual processes and support informed decision-making at speed.

    Through the Slate and PTE partnership, PTE scores are integrated directly into admissions workflows, reducing friction for admissions officers and eliminating unnecessary administrative steps. Rather than navigating multiple systems or manually verifying results, admissions teams can access PTE scores while decisions are already being made.

    Reducing manual work and administrative burden

    One of the biggest challenges admissions teams face is losing time to manual processes, such as downloading score reports, checking authentication, uploading files or reconciling data across platforms.

    By integrating PTE into Slate:

    • English test results are received directly within the admissions platform
    • Manual entry and document handling are reduced
    • Verification becomes simpler and more reliable
    • Processing time per application is shortened

    This directly supports admissions teams who are managing high application volumes with limited resources, enabling them to focus less on administration and more on applicant evaluation. 

    Faster, more confident decision-making

    Speed matters, but confidence matters just as much. Admissions teams need to trust the data they’re working with, especially when making conditional offers or final decisions.

    Having PTE results embedded within Slate allows admissions officers to:

    • Review scores quickly and consistently
    • Make faster decisions without leaving their workflow
    • Reduce delays caused by missing or manually-uploaded documentation
    • Maintain consistency across admissions teams and cycles

    The result is a smoother review experience that supports both operational efficiency and institutional standards.

    A better experience for admissions teams and students

    Streamlined admissions workflows don’t just benefit institutions; they improve the experience for students too.

    When systems work together:

    • Applicants face fewer delays and follow‑ups
    • Admissions communication becomes clearer and more timely
    • Offer turnaround times are reduced
    • Institutions present a more modern, efficient admissions experience

    This joined‑up approach helps institutions remain competitive, responsive and student‑focused,  particularly when engaging international applicants navigating complex admissions requirements. 

    Supporting innovation in admissions operations

    Beyond efficiency gains, the Slate and PTE partnership reflects a broader commitment to innovation in admissions operations.

    By integrating trusted English proficiency data into established institutional workflows, the partnership supports:

    • Scalable admissions processes
    • Greater consistency across decision‑making
    • Reduced operational risk
    • Long‑term efficiency as application volumes grow

    For admissions teams, this means future‑ready systems designed to evolve with changing recruitment and enrolment needs. 

    Streamlining admissions with Slate and PTE

    The partnership between Slate and PTE is built on a shared understanding of what admissions teams need most: clarity, efficiency, and confidence.

    By bringing English test scores directly into admissions workflows, institutions can reduce complexity, streamline operations and deliver faster, more reliable outcomes, all while maintaining the integrity and trust that admissions decisions demand.

  • People looking at a laptop discussing what they see
    Preparing your learners for university study abroad
    By Charlotte Guest
    Reading time: 5 minutes

    Studying abroad offers an exciting opportunity for students to explore new cultures, enhance their language skills and pursue further education. However, preparing for university abroad can be stressful and overwhelming, particularly for those leaving home for the first time.

    Educators are crucial in ensuring students feel ready, confident and equipped for international study. They support learners through academic guidance and emotional encouragement, helping build the skills necessary for success abroad.

    Why preparing students for study abroad matters

    Many learners focus mainly on getting accepted into a university. However, success abroad requires much more than good grades. Students must also adapt to a new education system, manage independent living and communicate in a different cultural environment.

    Without preparation, students may struggle with:

    • Culture shock
    • Homesickness
    • Academic pressure
    • Budgeting and financial management
    • Language barriers
    • Time management

    Providing support before students leave can improve confidence and help learners settle into university life more quickly.

  • Students walking together outside talking
    So you want to study in the USA? Here’s what to expect
    By Abi Fordham
    Reading time: 2 minutes

    When I talk to students planning to study in the USA, I always notice a mix of excitement and nerves. Before giving any advice, I begin by sharing a small personal truth.

    I didn’t study in the USA myself. I spent my university years in Leeds, England, running between lectures in the rain, squeezing into crowded cafés, feeling like my whole world lived inside that one brilliant, chaotic city. And I loved it.

    However, since I've worked in international education, it's broadened my perspective. Listening to students discuss the opportunities they’re pursuing in the US, including internships, campus experiences – and seeing the confidence they develop – has made me wonder if I might have chosen differently if I could go back in time.

    So now, when a student has questions about studying in the USA, I answer them based on everything I’ve learned from being closely involved in their journey. Let’s get into it.

    “Is studying in the USA actually worth it?”

    Absolutely, not just academically, but personally.  You get access to:

    • World-leading industries
    • Diverse, ambitious communities
    • New perspectives you can’t find at home
    • A degree that's recognized globally

    It’s one of the fastest ways to grow into the most confident version of yourself.

    “Will I fit in?”

    Yes. US campuses are remarkably diverse and host many international students. You’ll quickly find people who share your background, interests and ambitions. Simply join a club, attend a welcome event or try one new activity. That’s all it takes to get started.

    “The application process seems overwhelming.”

    It looks overwhelming until you break it down into manageable tasks:

    1. Shortlist universities
    2. Understand their timelines
    3. Organize your documents
    4. Choose an English test that actually supports your plans

    Which brings us to asking…

    “Which English test should I take?”

    If you want global options, then choose PTE Academic, which gives access to worldwide opportunities.

    If you’re set on the USA, then choose PTE Express. It's quick, online, flexible and specifically designed for studying in the US. It helps your application process run more smoothly and ensures you’re using a test that meets American university standards.

    “What is life in the USA actually like?”

    Think big campuses, huge energy, endless clubs and opportunities everywhere. But also think:

    • Independence
    • Cultural discovery
    • New friendships
    • Internships that shape your future

    Most students say they grow more in their first year abroad than in all their years of school before it.

    My perspective

    Studying in the USA is about more than just earning a degree. It can change how you see yourself. While my own path was different, I love helping students experience it and seeing where it takes them.