With less than 6% of the global population formally studying linguistics or language education, it’s no surprise that language learning myths are everywhere. Below are two truths and one lie to offer some clarity, context, and confidence for your language journey.

✅ Truth: Language loss comes from holding back

The more we avoid using a language, because we fear being judged or making mistakes, the more we risk losing it. Language loss can happen with any language (first, second, or additional) and is most often tied to how frequently we use it, especially when it comes to producing language (speaking and writing). That’s why many people say, “I can understand it, I just can’t speak it.”

Instead of feeling shame, celebrate your receptive bilingual skills—that’s a real and powerful part of language learning. From there, you can build confidence and start strengthening your speaking and writing abilities.

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✅ Truth: People will judge your language, no matter how “fluent” you are

Language judgment is human. It doesn’t always come from a bad place, it’s often just our brains noticing differences. Maybe you admired how someone from the UK says “lift” instead of “elevator.” Or maybe you’ve heard someone criticize “irregardless” (which is actually a word, by the way 👀).

Judgment happens across all speakers:

• Monolinguals notice accents or regional vocabulary.
  
• Multilinguals notice variations in pronunciation or grammar.
  

Why? Because language is tied to identity. We instinctively use language cues to figure out where people are “from” socially, culturally, or geographically. Understanding this can help you take things less personally and embrace the nuance in how people speak.
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❌ Lie: There’s one “right” way to speak

Nope. Language is fluid, ever-evolving, and deeply personal. The idea that there’s a “correct” way to speak is often rooted more in power and social dynamics than in actual language rules.

For example: I speak Puerto Rican Spanish. When I studied abroad in Spain, I had a choice, adopt phrases and style from the area where I was located (Andalusia) to “blend in” or lean into my own Spanish variety. Neither option was more “correct.” It was about how I wanted to show up and connect in that moment.

Language is shaped by our culture, community, and experience. There’s no universal right or wrong, only different. And those differences? They’re what make language beautiful.

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So, here’s your reminder:
You have a unique voice. You have something to say.
Say it your way. 🗣️🤟🧿

Xiomara Rivera Pagán, Ph.D. 🔍💛