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Not wired for languages?

  Tags: Talent
 Language Learning Forum : General discussion Post Reply
57 messages over 8 pages: << Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
jingwumaster
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United States
Joined 4616 days ago

33 posts - 46 votes
Speaks: English*

 
 Message 57 of 57
07 January 2013 at 9:49pm | IP Logged 
The title of this thread contradicts itself. If one was not wired for language, then one could not even ask such a question. All humans are wired for language because it is that very thing that most distinguishes us from other animals. We are, in fact, wired for language, any neuroscientist could prove that, and how this is somehow not common-sense leaves me thoroughly confused.

A better (and probably more accurate) question could have been "Do some people acquire foreign languages more readily than others?" and the answer to that would probably be yes, though any adult that can communicate effectively in their own language has the ability to do so in another language as well, even if they must work much harder than others to achieve the same results.

Personally, I believe that if people don't do something then it is because they do not want to regardless of their excuse. One must learn to distinguish "want", "need" and often is the case "would be nice". People do what they want, and what they need, but not always what would be nice to be able to do.

Also people should learn the difference between being self-critical (which is usually good) and self-insulting, and to distinguish the fantasy (what they feel) from the reality (what is). Just because you feel like you cannot do something does not make it true (except in the sense of self-fulfilling prophecy).

I'm not really here to argue my point. I just thought I'd post my thoughts on the thread in case anyone finds them helpful. The other day I happened upon a very interesting quote which I believe applies to this issue and to the learning of any skill, be it mathematics, philosophy, language, or even skateboarding (I study/practice all of these things to varying degrees).


"Only those who have patience to do simple things perfectly ever acquire the skill to do difficult things easily." James J. Corbett


Good day.


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