When we learn a language, we often think of it as an academic subject. This brings to mind books, pens, computers, taking notes, doing exercises, memorizing vocabulary, and practicing speaking—along with all the typical assignments linked to language learning. However, language has a unique feature that sets it apart from other subjects: it becomes a part of our daily lives.
This integration depends on the learner’s goals, but for most, the language will be used at work, in their community, or during specific situations throughout their life. It becomes a tool for communication—whether with a business partner, a family member, a friend, or even while traveling. The learning process matures only when the learner reaches the point of using the language for the very purpose they started studying it.
Take John, for example. He begins studying Spanish because he plans to spend a year in Argentina as a digital nomad, needing to communicate with locals on a daily basis. John attends Spanish classes, takes online lessons, joins learning groups, and dives deep into grammar exercises and vocabulary. He even takes the DELE test and achieves a B level certification. At this point, John feels accomplished, but Spanish hasn’t truly become part of his life yet. He hasn’t applied the language in real-world situations—he’s only mastered the academic side.
It isn’t until John arrives in Argentina and starts using Spanish in everyday interactions that he truly begins to live the language. In this second phase, John will refine his knowledge. He’ll stop using vocabulary that isn’t common in Argentina and learn regional phrases, idiomatic expressions, and the differences in verb usage, like how vos is used in place of the Spanish vosotros to indicate the second person plural You while vosotros is used in literary contexts in Argentina. Essentially, John won’t fully grasp the language until he lives it in the context for which he started learning it.
However, not all language learners need to immerse themselves in a foreign country to achieve fluency. John’s story is just an example. The language could be lived in a university setting, where a learner uses it to pursue a degree, or at a wedding where they communicate with family members who speak the target language. Perhaps the learner is preparing for a job that requires fluency, and the language only becomes part of their life once they start working in that role.
Until the language becomes a tool for daily communication, it remains theoretical—stuck in the learner’s mind. Even practicing with language groups or native speakers won’t make it fully part of their life. Each learner needs to determine how and when they will live the language and adjust their learning methods accordingly. By tailoring their approach, they can focus on materials and techniques that align with their ultimate goals.