Don’t Panic!
Sadly, for most people, unused language skills fade.
I first learned this from Manuel, a French architect, who lived and worked in Japan, but who was speaking fluent English at a creative residence in the UK.
Manuel explained that he was forgetting his native French. He no longer used it and the vocabulary of his native language had faded away.
If one can forget the language we first learned to read and speak in, clearly, any second language is on much shakier ground.
This blog is to help to back to English learning – whenever you stopped.
It’s full of good news.
Yes, languages fade, but it needn’t be hard work (or a horrible ordeal) to save them!
Find out how!
The Good News
If you’ve ever sat through high school English classes, you’ve likely done the hard/boring bit already.
Those verb lists you memorised?
They are still in there somewhere!
Vocabulary?
Easier to pick up a second time!
Grammar a bit wobbly?
Are you really going to let that stop you from talking?
Pronounciation
Hardest to learn, this skill is the last to fade.
Youwill be as good as you ever were at pronouncing English.
Stop The Slide
A Visual Way to Think About Language Learning
Stop the Slide and Start Growing Your English
You Don’t Need More English Lessons
Unless you have a specific or urgent language goal for work/studying etc., you don’t need to choose English ‘classes’.
Make time for ‘play time’ English (magazines, travel, cooking, singing, books, films, chatting, phone apps, radio shows, music) all of which can help revive your English – including your desire to use, learn and experiment in English.
Once that little flame is burning brighter (or your snowman has stopped melting), refine your English skills with traditional classes or English coaching.
→ Confident English: Why Feeling Good Speaking Matters More Than Progress
“When you have confidence, you can have a lot of fun. And when you have fun, you can do amazing things.”
Joe Namath
Make English Learning Feel FUN
If your English is fading, it’s time to convert high school knowledge into lived language experiences.
(That’s the FUN bit.)
Choose a Calm Reset, Not a Rush in the wrong direction
If your English has faded, it can be tempting to panic and throw yourself straight back into lessons.
But before you start rebuilding, it helps to know what has actually faded and what is still there.
You may not need to relearn nearly as much as you think.
A Review & Revive session helps you take stock of the English you already have, understand what needs waking up or strengthening, and decide what kind of support would make the best next step.
The aim is to get your English moving again without wasting time, money or energy rebuilding things that were never really lost.
For most people, unused language skills fade
but you can get them back!
Remember: You Don’t Have to Feel Miserable
The English you learn when you are relaxed and happy stays with you during stressful, pressure-filled work situations.
Many people (and language schools) still nurture the belief that if it’s fun, it is frivolous or bad for you.
You don’t need to hate the experience for it to be ‘good for you’ or effective.
In fact, it’s even better when you love the experience!
Language Learning Tips
Your language skills will last longer if you’ve relaxed into the language, filled words with your voice and been yourself in the language.
The more varied the contexts: the broader and stronger your skills will be.
At our language school, we also believe in the power of trips into the beautiful, natural Scottish environment for opening your heart to English.
→ See The Places at the Heart of Our English Language Holiday in Scotland
“Fun is one of the most important – and underrated – ingredients in any successful venture. If you’re not having fun, then it’s probably time to call it quits and try something else.”
Richard Branson
An English Immersion Holiday Would Help
If your English skills are fading because you simply aren’t using them enough, a Blue Noun holiday gives them something they may be missing: a reason to come back into use.
English becomes part of real conversations, activities, places and experiences, rather than something you have to practise separately.
And if worrying about how much English you’ve lost is actually stopping you from getting started, English Amnesty offers a gentler way in — with more space, less pressure to speak, and time for your English to wake up again.
Unlock Your English
If travelling is out of your reach, just pick something joyful and manageable to do in English – and just do it!
It helps to share accountability.
Tell a friend, or share a pledge on social media. You might find an accountability buddy!
And that’s our best tips for when your language skills fade.
Good luck – and enjoy rediscovering them!
Further Information
Is Blue Noun the right kind of English help for you?
People come to Blue Noun with very different English needs. Some are struggling or stuck. Some want more confidence, expression or direction. Others already enjoy using English and want to take it somewhere new.
→ Discover who Blue Noun helps
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