Language Firsts: Moments and Milestones to Motivate You to Keep Learning

There are plenty of ways to measure progress while learning a language: completing a program, passing a test, getting a diploma, the list goes on. But perhaps the most memorable are some of the smallest moments– they’re the events that you don’t necessarily plan for, or that happen when you least expect them.

Carina Otero in the Jardin Du Palais Royal in Paris

I call them “Language Firsts”. The first time you accomplish anything in another language is something worth celebrating, and over the last few years while learning French and living in Paris, I’ve kept a journal of all these moments that felt important or made me feel proud.

Why I keep a list of language firsts

Keeping track of your progress when learning a new skill is a helpful way to see how far you’ve come and can encourage you to stay motivated. Sometimes while learning a new language or living in a new country, it’s not always obvious to track your progress if you’re not continuously taking classes or enrolled in a traditional program. By taking the time to acknowledge and celebrate the small moments, the big moments, and everything in between, you can recognize how important it is to applaud yourself for making any amount of progress. These events may seem mundane, but experiencing them in another language is something to be proud of.

Continue reading for a list of milestones that should be celebrated when learning a new language, and leave a comment below if you have any to add!

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Milestone Experiences While Learning a New Language

• The first time you apologize for not speaking well, and someone disagrees

• The first time someone asks you for directions

• The first time someone asks you for directions, and you understand

• The first time someone asks you for directions, and you are able to successfully help them

• The first time you ask someone for directions

• The first time someone compliments your accent

• The first time you speak their language, and they don’t automatically switch to your language

• The first time someone tells you you speak their language better than they speak your language

• The first time you make small talk with a stranger

• The first time you make small talk with a neighbor

• The first time you make a restaurant reservation

• The first time you answer a phone call

• The first time you answer a phone call without anxiety from someone you know

• The first time you answer a phone call without anxiety from an unknown number

• The first time you call customer service

• The first time you call customer service and are successful at finding a solution

• The first time you have a full conversation with a taxi driver

• The first time you dream

• The first time you subconsciously curse

• The first time you attend and understand a theatre performance

• The first time you watch a new movie or program without subtitles

• The first time you re-read your favorite book

• The first time you read a new book

• The first time you attend a fitness class

• The first time you go to doctor appointment

• The first time you’re with a group of native speakers and no one suspects you don’t speak their language fluently

• The first time you make someone smile after saying something in their language

• The first time you make a joke and make someone laugh in their language

• The first time you teach someone a word in their language

• The first time you are asked to translate something for someone else

• The first time you were complimented by a stranger (or catcalled) and understood what they said

• The first time you talk yourself out of a parking ticket

• The first time you make a friend with whom you only speak their language

• The first time you go on a date

• The first time you have a relationship

• The first time you meet their parents

• The first time you have your heart broken

• The first time you end a relationship

• The first time you rediscover yourself and your passions

  
  Do you have any others to add?

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Carina Otero at Ralph’s Coffee, Saint-Germain-des-Prés in Paris

Taking time to appreciate the smallest moments in life is a valuable practice in mindfulness, and doing so while you're learning a new language can also help you to stay motivated. Looking back at how much you’ve accomplished and how far you’ve come can remind you that you’re capable and have the drive to keep at it.

Defining the moments where you discovered your confidence is a worthwhile practice when learning a new language or when living abroad, but can also be applied to other areas of your life. Whether you’re training in a new sport, picking up a new hobby, or practicing a new skill, keeping a list of the progress you’ve made and including even the smallest moments can make a big difference.

Are you currently living abroad and learning a new language? If you have any questions about my experience, let me know in the comments below!

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