Let’s talk about something that comes up all the time at ELAM: language learning myths.
We hear them in classes, consultations, workshops—you name it. And while they might sound convincing, these myths often stop professionals from even starting to learn a new language.
So, let’s clear the air. Here are some of the biggest misconceptions we hear—and why they’re totally off the mark.
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“I’m too old to learn a new language.”
This one needs to go.
Somewhere along the way, people started believing that if you didn’t pick up a second language as a kid, you missed your chance. But here’s the truth: adults can absolutely learn new languages. In fact, they bring a ton of advantages to the table—like discipline, life experience, and motivation.
Sure, you might not absorb new grammar rules the same way a 6-year-old would. But you’ve got context, focus, and real-world communication goals. That’s powerful.
“I need to be fluent before I can use it.”
Nope. This mindset actually slows people down. You don’t need to be fluent to start using a language. You just need enough to get your message across. At ELAM, we’re all about functional fluency—the kind that helps you participate in meetings, write emails, and give presentations way before you’ve mastered every verb tense.
The goal isn’t perfection. It’s progress. And using the language early on actually helps you improve faster.
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“It takes years to see results.”
We get where this comes from—but it’s not totally true.
Yes, becoming fully bilingual takes time (we’re not gonna sugarcoat it). But seeing real, useful progress? That can happen surprisingly fast—especially when your learning is focused, practical, and personalized to your goals.
We’ve seen clients go from “I can’t say a word” to handling client calls, small talk, and team meetings in just a few months. The key? Consistency and relevance.
“I’m just not a language person.”
Let’s bust this one wide open.
There’s no such thing as a “language person.” What most people mean when they say this is, “I had a hard time in high school French class.” Totally fair.
But learning a language as an adult—especially for work—is a whole different experience. You’re learning things that are actually useful. You’re working with real-life materials. And ideally, you’ve got a teacher (hi, that’s us!) who adapts to your pace and style.
Anyone can learn a new language—with the right approach.
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So, what now?
If you’ve been holding back because of one of these myths, we get it. But now that you know the truth? Maybe it’s time to give language learning another shot.
At ELAM, we specialize in corporate language training that’s practical, customized, and 100% judgment-free. Whether you’re brushing up on French or tackling English for the first time, we’re here to make the journey smoother—and even a little fun.
Let’s bust some myths and build some skills. Ready when you are.
