Frustrating, isn’t it? Especially when you think you’ve pretty well completed all the courses you needed. For some reason a casual comment, a short greeting or a humorous observation leaves you mystified. You’re embarrassed to ask the individual to repeat what was said.
We are often asked how long it takes to “catch” meanings in real time, to feel comfortable and to respond appropriately within a socially acceptable period of time.
The answer to that question can be maddening – it depends.
If you think back to your primary grades, it may be easy to conjure images of trying to learn a specific lesson – say, rules of syllabication in your native language, or when to set “x” to zero in order to solve an equation. Many of us can name the seven Dwarfs in “Snow White” faster, and how many times did you read “Snow White” or watch the movie?
We know that when you are “Good” at something, you receive accolades, develop confidence, and even actively seek out opportunities to demonstrate your skills. No doubt your teachers encouraged you. The endorphins flowed freely.
Conversely, when challenged by more “dismal” subjects, say – Economics or a Foreign Language, your amygdala signals “Fight or flight”. You shut down for protection – no endorphins this time. Your ability to process anything other than the most obvious basics seems to have abandoned you.
Your mood definitely alters your receptivity. This is one of the first rules and suggestions for learning a language. Set the proper “mood” and it will become easier. It’s very rewarding when you can really understand what someone says without taking time to translate it. You’ll open flood gates of endorphins, and that’s the encouragement you’ve been looking for that will shorten the time it takes no matter how fast they speak.
