I’ve been learning a new language- why is it harder for me to speak it vs hear it/type it/read it?

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My friends speak Dutch and for a while. I’ve been trying to learn Dutch. We can text in Dutch (very casually) and when they speak to me in Dutch I am able to understand what they are saying (or at least pick it apart to understand generally what they are saying) . but when it comes to me trying to say Dutch words or speak Dutch my brain all of a sudden has no memory of everything I’ve learned.

I have a friend also whos mom speaks Portuguese and he understands her completely but he responds in English and doesn’t really speak Portuguese himself?

Why does this happen??

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12 Answers

Anonymous 0 Comments

For me it’s partly confidence. When I write in a second language I can pause and think. Substitute words for ones I know will make sense. But also it’s not me face to face so I’m not so nervous.

Speaking is you putting yourself out there. However much your friends or colleagues or whomever are helpful and uncritical it’s still easy to feel judged. That might just be me though.

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