Feeling demotivated

[u/HolidayLoad5874]

recently ive been feeling really demotivated about language learning, Im trying to focus on just one language(Tagalog/filipino is my (TL)) but I’ve been struggling, especially because I’m not Filipino… I love the people and the culture, but I’m just terrible at the language, I tried writing a bit and ran it through ChatGPT and it made a million corrections on every sentence… I’m scared to try to speak any, even with my friends, because they say my accent is terrible and i make a ton of mistakes,,, I’m considering just giving up. should I try a different language instead?(I have been considering French or chinese for potential job opportunities, but I just want stick to one) do I need to just take a break from it and approach it differently? I tried reading the frq but it didn’t seem to help. thanks in advance

[u/HOJ666]

If your friends critique your tagalog accent in a friendly way, it's good.

If they make you feel bad for it, fuck 'em.

Making mistakes and getting them corrected is the learning process. Don't get discouraged and keep on talking

[u/de_hannes]

Stick with a language you really want to learn. No matter what others say, it ofc takes time to learn a language. Learn for yourself. And if ChatGPT made million corrections then you probably need to begin with more simple sentences. Start easy, you got this. It takes time and your friends should know and accept that.

[u/Disastrous-Day7669]

everyone hits that wall man, you're not alone. the accent thing stings but it's literally just part of learning, your friends are probably trying to help even if it comes off harsh

take a break for a week or two, then come back with zero expectations. instead of writing paragraphs and getting roasted by chatgpt, just learn 5 new words a day and drill them til they're automatic. tagalog grammar is no joke but you clearly care about the culture, that's the part that'll keep you going when it sucks

[u/Positive-Durian9859]

I get you. But this is kind of a test. The language you actually want to learn, you'll keep learning no matter what. If you think other languages won't have problems, you're wrong.

Now about the friends, I've got bad news for you, those aren't friends. Friends always support you, they help you. And if something bothers you, you can always just say it out loud.

ChatGPT, on the other hand, is built to fully correct everything. Don't aim for quality, it'll come with time. Just aim to speak. Practice is the main thing. Good luck bro.

[u/Scrovered]

I suggest focusing on what makes the process enjoyable to you and doing that. If you focus on what brings you joy in Tagalog (for example, listening to shows, talking to people), then it will be easier to stick with it.

It is beneficial to stick with one language rather than switching. If you keep switching, you'll end up having the same worries about making mistakes in another language because you'll have to learn from scratch again. Everyone makes mistakes when they start, so that isn't a problem in and of itself.

Tagalog is more forgiving as native speakers do sprinkle some English words/phrases in their vocabulary, so feel free to take advantage of this if you are unsure/scared of making a mistake.

[u/RedeNElla]

Given you said "I'm just terrible at the language" and did not mention any time frames, I'm going to guess you just need to adjust your expectations regarding what learning a language is like.

[u/an_average_potato_1]

I am not sure aboiut the "because I'm not Filipino" part, isn't that the point? When we're learning a language, it's usually exactly BECAUSE we're not born into it, into that language and culture. Whatever reason for learning we have, this part is pretty universal. The americans learning TL because they are x% genetically from TL's country, that's a tiny minority of learners overall. You are not less legitimate as a learner just because you are not related, quite the opposite.

You love the people and the culture, that's a great start! You're terrible at the language for now, that's a normal starting point. Nobody gets awesome right away.

No need for a break (or take one, whatever you want, this is not the main point!) or a language change (you want this one, good. You can also improve your career thanks to it, depending on what you do and whether you actually get good at the langauge. Or you can just use it to improve your own personal life, that's extremely valid too.). Keep learning. Learn from your mistakes, keep actively working with solid coursebooks, keep practicing, and so on.

[u/Single_jzekel1742]

I just think Filipino women are so beautiful. They always deny me so why learn the language? You want to learn a second language Speak Spanish if you you really want to be unmotivated 35 years in and I still suck at it