Why is it so hard for us humans to learn different languages?
In: Biology
Our brains are wired for efficiency, so we naturally gravitate towards the language structures and sounds we learned as children. Learning a new language requires us to rewire those neural pathways, which takes time and practice. Also, factors like age, motivation, and the complexity of the language itself can make it even tougher.
Is it hard? Lots of people learn more than one language. Lots of people grow up with more than one language, lots of people learn a different language in childhood, lots of people learn another language in adulthood.
People even learn dead languages like Latin or Ancient Greek, or made-up langauages like Klingon.
I do not think your premise is in any way correct. Humans clearly do not find it hard to learn different languages.
Because it involves memorizing literally 10,000+ words, sometimes with highly nuanced differences between them and/or meanings that change depending on application, along with a complex set of grammar and verb conjugation rules, to a competence level where you are able to apply these at a rate of about 3 words a second.
When you learn your first language, that language becomes so deeply rooted into your mind. That makes it hard for your brain to understand different languages.
I wouldn’t say hard. Tedious might be a better word. You have to put the motivation and work into learning and practicing to reinforce it in your head. You have to generate the interest and excitement for yourself. Time will be the adversary towards your motivation and interest as doing all of this takes time.
The hardest part of learning a new language is actually using it all the time instead of reverting to the familiar language you already know, and not being afraid to make mistakes in front of other people. Babies don’t have those issues.
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