User:Mr. Stradivarius/Misconceptions

This is a list of common myths or misconceptions about language learning that have been reported in reliable academic publications.

Myths about language learning influence debates about educational policy.

Ease of learning
Children do not learn second languages quickly or easily. The process of learning a second language is frustrating for children in much the same way as it is for adults.

Sign language
Learning sign language does not interfere with the learning of other languages. In fact, learning sign language can help deaf children to acquire English faster than they would by learning English alone. Children can transfer the language skills they develop through sign language to the acquisition of English.

Memory
It is not necessary to have a good memory to be a good language learner.

Choice of instruction style
The instruction style that a teacher was taught with as a student is not necessarily the most effective. Teachers can make the mistake of assuming that because they were able to learn the language with that style, that their students can learn with it too. This assumption of cause and effect is false. Language teachers are a self-selected group, and may have higher motivation and language-learning aptitude than their students, as well as a greater opportunity to experience input in the target language.