I sometimes get the picture when I talk with people that they believe there is an end point in language learning. I hear comments like, “I can’t wait until language school is done so I can get on with the real work.” or “Once I am at a level 3, then I can quit studying language.” I understand the desire to be done, to have arrived with the language, but it is an unhelpful attitude for language learners to have. First of all, this attitude more often than not lowers the bar of achievement for the learner and many learners settle for much less than they really can achieve. Secondly, it reduces an organic, growing and dynamic language learning journey to a simple academic problem to be solved. Finally, it produces false expectations leaving many learners discouraged when they finally get to that mark they set for themselves only to find out they don’t yet know enough language to do much more than survive in the country. I think a much better attitude is that of the life long learner. I chose to use the word “journey” when talking about language learning because that is indeed what learning a second language is. I think of the seventh book in the Chronicles of Narnia and the repeated call to the children, “Further up and further in,” as they explore Aslan’s real kingdom. It is this way that we should position ourselves and our thinking as language learners. There is no end to this journey, just endless learning and exploration. So whether you are in for two years of adventure in your new country or the rest of your life - Never stop exploring!
