(Rant/encouragement) Why do so many people spend so much time analyzing language learning methods and tools instead of just going with it?

I’ve seen people mapped out absurdly complicated flashcard tools, analyzing input hours and spaced repetition schedules, or obsessing over tiny nuances in language learning plans when they haven’t even started with anything substantial. Like people who ask about how to learn Chinese radicals or stroke orders before they even understand the pinyin, or people who spend so much effort trying to “hack” or find tricks in language learning.

It’s good to have plans. But language learning takes time, there are some “hacks”, but most of the time you will be making mistakes and learning along the way. There is no one perfect method for language learning. You will be trying a little bit of everything, like a native speaker would as a child. Stop asking “what’s the best way to learn XYZ language”, there isn’t one!

You will be spending some time reading books, listening to music, watching movies, talking to people, studying from textbooks, self-study, studying with a tutor, doing language exchanges, texting with friends, writing essays, using social media, practicing pronunciation, studying grammar points, etc. There are like a million things to do in your target language. None of them is enough by itself. Pick what you like and go with it. If you feel like you’re hitting a plateau, try new things! Do what works for you, but also try to be balanced.

This isn’t r/changemyview, I’m not debating anyone here about the scientific efficacy of the different methods or approaches to language learning. I know some methods work better for some people.

I just wanna say, stop over-planning beyond your level! If you’re just starting out with Spanish 101, don’t be stressing yourself out over memorizing the subjunctive conjugation table when you’re still confused about how to use gustar correctly. If you’re still struggling with basic tone pronunciation in Chinese, Thai, or Vietnamese, don’t be worrying about idioms or advanced verb aspect constructions. If you’re just starting with Hiragana, don’t be worried about advanced Kanji readings and Keigo! I’m not saying you can’t try to learn the advanced stuff, but don’t be so worried about them. Talk to people, do things, make mistakes, learn!