The Myth of Mastering Languages in Two Months
Adel Sherif
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| The Myth of Mastering Languages in Two Months |
Language learning is often surrounded by bold claims. Many people proudly announce that they speak seven or more languages, but in reality, their knowledge may only scratch the surface.
I once met a self-proclaimed polyglot who insisted he knew Arabic well. Since Arabic is my native language, I decided to test this claim by speaking slowly and clearly with him. It quickly became obvious that his confidence was misplaced.
This experience highlights a truth that often gets overlooked: mastering a language can take a lifetime.
Fluency is not achieved in weeks or month, it requires years of immersion, practice, and cultural understanding. Yet, the exaggerated claims of some polyglots create pressure for learners, making them feel inadequate if they don’t achieve mastery in a short time.
Of course, there are genuine polyglots. Many of them had the advantage of growing up in multilingual environments or being exposed to diverse cultures from childhood. Their success is real, but it’s not easily replicable for someone starting later in life.
Learning Multiple Languages at Once
It is absolutely possible to learn two languages simultaneously.
For example, studying Italian or Spanish while also learning Thai won’t cause confusion. The alphabets, sounds, and structures are distinct enough to keep them separate in your mind.
- Romance languages (like Italian and Spanish) are relatively accessible for English speakers. They use the Latin alphabet, pronunciation is often straightforward, and resources are abundant. What you hear is usually what you write.
- Thai, on the other hand, presents unique challenges. Its script and tones are unfamiliar to most English speakers. Yet, Thai grammar is surprisingly simple compared to Romance languages, which makes it easier in some respects.
The Hidden Cost: Mental Fatigue
While learning multiple languages is possible, it comes with a risk: mental fatigue. Switching between different systems of sounds, scripts, and grammar can be exhausting. Learners should pace themselves, balancing ambition with sustainability.
Learning a Language may Takes a Lifetime (and the Data to Prove It)
The U.S. Foreign Service Institute (FSI) has spent decades training American diplomats and tracking how long it takes native English speakers to reach Professional Working Proficiency in other languages. Not teaching native level.
Their data is the gold standard, and it shows why the idea of “learning a language in two months” is almost impossible for the average person.
The FSI Rankings
- Category I (600–750 hours, 24–30 weeks): Spanish, Italian, French, Dutch, Portuguese
- Category II (750 hours, 30 weeks): German
- Category III (900 hours, 36 weeks): Indonesian, Swahili, Malay
- Category IV (1,100 hours, 44 weeks): Thai, Greek, Hebrew, Russian, Hindi, Vietnamese
- Category V (2,200 hours, 88 weeks): Arabic, Mandarin, Cantonese, Japanese, Korean
Final Thoughts
Language learning is not a race. It’s a lifelong journey filled with discovery, culture, and personal growth. Don’t let inflated claims discourage you. Whether you’re tackling Spanish, Italian, Thai, or Arabic, progress is measured not in months but in the depth of your connection to the language and its people.
