The [Un]Comfort Zone

Last Friday, a couple friends and I went to the birthday party of one of my other friends. There were probably about fifteen people at the party, but other than four people that I know from graduate classes, I didn't know anyone else.

Typically, in such situations, the group of people who are already acquainted will socialize amongst themselves until they slowly are integrated into the larger social dynamics of the party; I'm sure you have been in a similar situation and know exactly what I'm talking about. That is in fact what happened at this party.

But it wasn't talking with the people I already knew that was fun, it was talking with the people I didn't know. That isn't to say that talking with friends isn't enjoyable-- who doesn't like being around someone they know and like?-- but usually, the people you're closest with aren't the ones who are going to offer you new ideas. 

It's people you don't know who can provide you with new insights. Although I never completely left the people I already knew, it was engaging in conversations with the people I didn't know that was truly enjoyable.

Language is the same way...

Maybe not in the exact same way but hear me out. When learning a language, it is very easy to hold onto what you already know, whether it's certain parts of an English dialect or features from your primary language. Much like staying with the people you know at a party, it is a lot more comfortable to use the language you already know than to expose yourself to new linguistic experiences. 

However, in order to improve your English or linguistic abilities in general, you must leave your comfort zone, at least temporarily.

You must be in a state I call the [un]comfort zone.

You've probably heard the saying that no one learns anything while in their comfort zone and it is absolutely true. In regards to improving your English, leaving what you know about language temporarily behind can be very intimidating, and yet it is an absolute must for broadening your abilities. 

This isn't to say that you have to stop using your primary language while working on your English; in fact, I would advise you not to do that. Think about going to a party and ignoring all the people you know. How would that experience feel? Probably strange.

What I am saying is that while working on your English you should just focus primarily on your English. Perhaps spend an hour or two a day solely focusing on English. That's how you are going to learn the most: by immersing yourself in something you're not comfortable with so you will eventually feel comfortable using it.

Even if you are comfortable with using English, it still doesn't hurt to spend some time everyday broadening your English fluency.

English, as I'm sure with most languages, is nearly impossible to master. Even for a native speaker such as myself, English is a nearly boundless language. 

I am constantly learning new words and phrases through reading-- reading!! It's part of what makes the language so much fun. Even if you think you know everything about it, there's always going to be more you don't know. 

---------

The key to improving your proficiency, or anything else really, is to expose yourself to material that makes you uncomfortable. That's not to say you should give yourself a headache by reading a dictionary, but you should try to do things that you are not already comfortable doing.

For example, if you already read a lot of young adult fiction then perhaps try reading a more advanced piece. You might really enjoy Harry Potter but if it's not a challenge to read then it's most likely not going to teach you anything new about the language.

Remember: People don't make significant strides by staying in their comfort zones. They make progress by forcing themselves out of it!!!

You can see this for yourself. Take a few moments to think about some new information you've recently learned. Make a list of things you've learned while in your "comfort zone" and a list of things you've learned while in your"[un]comfort zone". Which list is longer? Probably the second one.
---------

Just like at the party I went to, the way to experience new things and learn new lessons is typically going to be by forcing yourself to be at least a bit uncomfortable. I mean, I could have stayed with my friends the whole time, but by forcing myself a little bit outside of my comfort zone, I was able to meet some interesting new people. 

Have you ever had a similar experience at a party? Have you ever learned something useful while in your "comfort zone"? Let us know in the comments. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, email us at levelupproficiency@gmail.com or message us on our Facebook page.

Also, don't forget to follow us on Twitter. If you're enjoying these posts, don't hesitate to share them with your friends or anyone else you think may benefit from reading them. 

-Ryan M. Shea, English Proficiency Specialist