“Use it or lose it” is a powerful reminder, especially when it comes to learning languages. Language is not something we can just memorize and keep forever since it requires constant use and practice to stay active in our minds. In Vietnam, English has been taught extensively at all educational levels, from elementary schools to universities. However, even after years of formal education, many students still find it difficult to utilize English in everyday contexts. This reluctance not only slows down their progress but also leads to the gradual loss of what they have already learned, wasting their time and effort.
One of the most common reasons for this problem is the fear of making mistakes. Many Vietnamese learners are afraid of being judged, corrected, or laughed at if they speak English incorrectly. This fear creates a psychological barrier that prevents them from using the language freely. As a result, they avoid speaking altogether. Unfortunately, the longer they stay silent, the more their vocabulary fades, grammar weakens, and fluency declines. Additionally, confidence, which is essential for learning a language, erodes with time.
Another contributing factor is the traditional education system’s emphasis on grammar, reading, and writing for exams rather than practical communication skills. Most students are trained to succeed in written tests, not to express themselves in real conversations. In other words, speaking and listening are frequently neglected, which leaves students ill-prepared for language usage in everyday situations. Students are unlikely to remember what they learn if they don’t have opportunities to practice speaking freely in conversations, presentations, or discussions.
In conclusion, language learning requires active engagement. To truly master a language, one must interact with it consistently and purposefully. English is not a subject to be memorized and forgotten after exams. For many Vietnamese students, the challenge lies not in understanding grammar rules, but in breaking the silence and using English in real contexts. Without regular exposure and use, even the best-learnt knowledge will slowly fade. After all, a language unused is a language soon lost.
GV TBM PPGD