{"id":10252,"date":"2022-12-22T12:14:43","date_gmt":"2022-12-22T11:14:43","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/nllanguagep-bali.savviihq.com\/?p=10252"},"modified":"2026-05-05T12:00:19","modified_gmt":"2026-05-05T10:00:19","slug":"myths-about-language-learning","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/languagepartners.nl\/en\/blog\/learning\/myths-about-language-learning\/","title":{"rendered":"Myths about language learning – and what actually works"},"content":{"rendered":"

There are a lot of misconceptions about language learning. They stop professionals from getting started, give organisations unrealistic expectations, and often lead to training that does not deliver results. In this article we tackle the most common myths about learning a language \u2014 and explain what actually works.<\/p>\n

Myth 1: Adults cannot learn a new language<\/h2>\n

People often assume that language learning is only effective for children. While younger learners do have certain advantages \u2014 especially before the age of six \u2014 adults are fully capable of becoming fluent in a new language. Adults often have stronger motivation, better study habits and a clearer understanding of why they are learning. These are significant advantages in a professional context.<\/p>\n

Myth 2: You need to be talented to learn a language<\/h2>\n

Language learning is a skill, not a gift. Some people may pick up certain aspects faster than others, but with the right approach, consistent practice and the right trainer, anyone can make meaningful progress. What matters most is structure, repetition and applying what you learn in real situations.<\/p>\n

Myth 3: Language training is too expensive<\/h2>\n

When you weigh the cost of language training against the cost of miscommunication, lower productivity or employee turnover, the investment quickly pays for itself. Language Partners offers tailored training programmes<\/a> at different price points, designed to fit the needs and budget of your organisation.<\/p>\n

Myth 4: You have to live in the country to really learn the language<\/h2>\n

Immersion helps, but it is not a requirement. What matters is regular, structured practice in the context of your daily work. A professional who trains two to three hours per week with a skilled trainer and actively applies what they learn in their job will make strong, lasting progress \u2014 without ever leaving the Netherlands.<\/p>\n

Myth 5: Language learning takes years before you see results<\/h2>\n

The time it takes depends entirely on the starting level, the target level and the learning intensity. Many professionals see measurable progress within weeks when training is well-structured and focused on their daily communication needs. Language Partners always starts with an online intake based on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR, levels A0 to C2) to set realistic goals and track progress from day one.<\/p>\n

Myth 6: Apps and self-study are enough<\/h2>\n

Apps and online resources can be a useful supplement, but they cannot replace the feedback and interaction that come from working with an experienced trainer. Self-study tools do not correct pronunciation, nuance or professional register. They also rarely prepare you for the real communication situations you face at work \u2014 presentations, negotiations, informal conversations with colleagues or client calls.<\/p>\n

Myth 7: One training is enough<\/h2>\n

Language skills need to be maintained and developed over time. A single training course builds a foundation, but the professionals who make the biggest strides are those who continue to practise and build on what they have learned. That is why all Language Partners training programmes include access to an online learning platform<\/a> that participants can continue using for months after the training ends.<\/p>\n

What does work<\/h2>\n

The most effective language training combines structured sessions with a trainer, regular practice in the flow of daily work and personalised feedback. It starts with a clear assessment of the current level and a realistic learning goal. It takes place in the context of the participant’s actual job \u2014 the vocabulary, situations and communication styles they encounter every day.<\/p>\n

Language Partners has been delivering business language training for over 50 years. We train in more than 52 languages, in-company at your office, on one of our locations or as a hybrid programme. Whether your team needs business English<\/a>, NT2 for international employees<\/a>, business German<\/a> or any other language, we design a programme that fits.<\/p>\n

\n

Ready to invest in language training for your team?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Language Partners designs tailor-made language programmes for organisations of all sizes. Get a proposal within 2 working days.<\/p>\n

Request a proposal \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Frequently asked questions about language learning<\/h2>\n

How long does it take to learn a new language as an adult professional?<\/h3>\n

That depends on your starting level, target level and learning intensity. Most professionals see measurable progress within a few weeks when training is structured and focused on their daily work situation. Language Partners uses the CEFR framework to set clear goals and track progress from day one.<\/p>\n

Is language training only effective for younger employees?<\/h3>\n

Not at all. Adults often have stronger motivation, better study habits and a clearer sense of purpose when learning a language. These are significant advantages in a professional context. Language training works for employees at any age and any level.<\/p>\n

What is the difference between self-study and training with a professional trainer?<\/h3>\n

Apps and online tools can support your learning but cannot replace the feedback, interaction and real-world practice that come from working with an experienced trainer. A trainer corrects pronunciation and register, prepares you for actual work situations and adapts the content to your specific needs.<\/p>\n

How many hours per week does language training require?<\/h3>\n

A standard blended learning programme at Language Partners involves 3 to 3.5 hours per week. This includes sessions with a trainer and self-paced practice on the online learning platform. We always discuss the right intensity with the HR professional and the participant to ensure the training fits into their schedule.<\/p>\n

Can employees with different language levels train together?<\/h3>\n

Yes. We conduct an online intake for each participant based on the CEFR framework. Based on the results we group participants by level or recommend individual training where level differences are too large for a group setting.<\/p>\n

What languages does Language Partners offer training in?<\/h3>\n

We offer business language training in more than 52 languages, including business English<\/a>, Dutch as a second language<\/a>, business German<\/a>, legal English<\/a> and many more. Get in touch if your language is not listed \u2014 tailor-made is our speciality.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

There are a lot of misconceptions about language learning. They stop professionals from getting started, give organisations unrealistic expectations, and often lead to training that does not deliver results. In this article we tackle the most common myths about learning a language \u2014 and explain what actually works. Myth 1:…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":39,"featured_media":13690,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[159,322],"tags":[345,346,419,420,239,276,397,288,364,348],"class_list":["post-10252","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-english","category-learning","tag-ic","tag-intercultural-communication","tag-intercultural-competence","tag-intercultural-training","tag-language-en","tag-language-courses","tag-language-learning","tag-learning","tag-multicultural","tag-training"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nCommon myths about language learning debunked | Language Partners<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Think language learning takes years or only works for young people? 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