Learning languages in the 21st century

Thinking about language learning in today's world set of conditions entails not only understanding what meaningful changes have been made in the last 20 years in almost every field of humanity, but also how current humans are wired.

The arise of modern technological devices during the late 20th century and its rapid growth during the 21st century has changed the whole world. The way we communicate, think, learn, even the way we are, the way we exist and assume the world is quite different from how it was thirty years ago. To better illustrate this, let's take the challenges and capabilities modern humans have to develop to face upcoming years. If we were to analyze current market dynamics and needs for applying to decent jobs, many 21st century skills would come up: technology literacy, information literacy, productivity and media literacy (Hummel, 20204). Even though these skills are most valued by many job sources, nowadays, as competitivity has spiked, employers are asking job seekers not only to have these skills, but also to be competent in a second language. All these conditions might be overwhelming for some people, as it is just too much information, requirements to keep in mind in just too little time. As a matter of fact, Kathryn Bouskill (2018) explores the condition of contemporary world: that of a fast-paced world in which we are in a constant state por pursue of growth and goal-achieving, which can leave us both tired and powerless against daily life activities. As it has been explored, contemporary issues have changed the way we approach life and, therefore, our necessities and how we build our life; however, in the following parragraphs will be detailed how such circumstances have changed the way we learn languages.

Considering the conditions previously addressed, learning languages nowadays could seem difficult as many people might feel it tiresome or an inversion of time they are not willing to make. However, if we were to take a look for current Language Learning tendencies, we would find out that not only they save lots of time since many of them are designed to improve and enhance user's experience when learning vocabulary and language structures (Zainuddin, 2023) which could be one of the most frustrating and time-spending activities when learning languages, but also that they are convenient since they can adapt to student's needs regarding pace, level of technicality and learning schedule. Furthermore, when looking for global tendencies on applying technology in language learning, it is shown that many countries such as Denmark, Finland and United States are high-stake betting towards its implementation (Evurulobi et. al., 20204) as many platforms such as Duolingo and Memrise are providing effective language learning outcomes. All in all, it is seen that, globally speaking, technologies for language learning are shaping cultural and educational ideas and they should not be seen as a challenge nor another skill to deal with, but more as a set of convinients digital tools that facilitates and accomodates language learning.

In this order of ideas, technology, when applied to language learning, may fit learner's necessities. Worldwide, lots of people are gaining access to education on language learning in ways that they see fit in their daily lives. As we learn languages in very different ways, current tendencies in this matter are pointing towards the use and development of apps and web-based resources to make the learning process more user-focused and user-friendly, creating a safe and personalized environment in which the students do not feel any pressure, discomfort or complexity when using the platform, which may entail in more people studying new languages. In sum, current tendencies of language learning are pointing towards the development and use of convinient platforms, apps and web resources that fulfill the learner's necesities in terms of time and adaptability. Since today's pace tends to be highly accelerated and non-stopping, filled with requisites, students need's  to feel comfortable and calm when learning a new language is met through these digitial options.

References

Bouskill, K. (2018). The unforeseen consequences of a fast-paced world [Video]. TED Talks. https://www.ted.com/talks/kathryn_bouskill_the_unforeseen_consequences_of_a_fast_paced_world  

Evurulobi, N. C. I., Dagunduro, N. a. O., & Ajuwon, N. O. A. (2024). Language learning technologies: A review of trends in the USA and globally. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 23(3), 2697–2707. https://doi.org/10.30574/wjarr.2024.23.3.2851

Hummel, B., & Hummel, B. (n.d.). What are 21st century skills? iCEV. https://www.icevonline.com/blog/what-are-21st-century-skill

Zainuddin, N., 2023 Technology Enhanced Language Learning Research Trends and Practices: A Systematic Review (2020-2022), The Electronic Journal of e-Learning, 21(2), pp 69-79

For further contemplation

Attached herewith you will find some interviews, as well as the questions asked, regarding aspects that are considered important when speaking, thinking and learning languages. Please, clic on download option and scan the QRs, they will lead you to the interviews' recording.

1. How many languages do you speak?
2. Are you studying any other language?
3. Is there any particular reason why you chose those languages?
4. Would you say that speaking more than one language expand your comprehension of the world? Do you see the world any different?
5. Were there, or are there, any tools that help you studying these languages? Could be any resource like videogames, podcasts, apps...
6. Would you say that is easier to understand, criticize and appreciate cultural nuances when knowing how to talk and think in a second language?