If you are able to fix all of these obstacles that would surely hit you in your journey of learning, then there’s is nothing that can stop you from understanding Kannada in six months or maybe even less!
US Foreign Services Institute (FSI) is the first thing people check to determine how difficult a language is for English speakers, and now, although the FSI website does not specifically mention Kannada, many people believe it belongs in their Category III languages, which includes Tamil, Telugu, Urdu, and Hindi. So according to FSI, if you learn a Category III language for 25 hours a week, you’ll be able to work professionally after 44 weeks, or approximately 10 months.
Of course, the phrase “technical working proficiency” is a bit of a misnomer. It’s been compared to both the B2 and C1 CEFR levels, so if you’re thinking about taking an intense course, check out the level descriptions. While, getting to B2/C1 in ten months isn’t bad, most of us won’t really be able to study for 25 hours a week (plus homework!). So, how difficult is Kannada and how long will it take you to learn it realistically?
The (annoying) answer is that it depends.
Assume you already know a similar language, such as Malayalam, Telugu, or Tamil, and you use Kannada on a daily basis. You’ll notice that you’re picking it up more quickly. Let’s say, on the other hand, you only speak English and only get to speak Kannada in the classroom or during dedicated studies. You’ll be forced to remain a slow learner and would need to go through your notes more often, do more exercises and simulations, and constantly search out opportunities to practise. Even, if you’re thinking about learning Kannada, don’t let the fact that it’s a difficult language deter you. Learning a language is enthralling, enjoyable, and extremely satisfying. Treat it more like a marathon than a sprint, and concentrate on what you can do rather than what you can’t.
Instead of obsessing about fluency, set smaller targets for yourself: Aim for a 5-minute, 20-minute, or 45-minute conversation; read a short story, newspaper article, or book; keep a diary; listen to a podcast, or sing a song. Learning Kannada isn’t so difficult when you break it down into manageable chunks.
Each subsequent language learnt, makes you a pro to know the method of learning on your own. Identify what’s work the best way you grasp better; is it visual or textbook style of learning!
Another factor that will help you learn faster is, if you’ve learnt any bit of Kannada in school, or you are aware of the basic Kannada in other words you have a bit of foundation to build on.
You may also have an easier time learning Kannada if you have access to a community of Kannada speaking people. Practising with Conversation Partners is an important part of the learning process, and having Kannada speakers near you gives you more opportunities to actually use your Kannada skills.
Learning Kannada is also easier if started at a young age because Kids pick up information without apprehension and internalize it better.
Again, for those who wish to master spoken or business Kannada or learn only the basics, the road is much easier. One important piece of advice – unless you approach learning any new thing with complete heart and soul, efforts, dedicated time, motivation, excitement, chalked-out schedule and commitment you will never make any progress. Same goes for learning a language or learning Kannada.
You need to have an intent and need to learn else you will not get any far. Use that as a source of strength when you are disheartened over something. Stop yourself! Collect yourself all over again and restart as fresh with a positive mind. Talk to yourself and believe you don’t have an option to fail. YOU HAVE TO DO IT!
To define your fluency goals and develop realistic expectations. It’s also a great way to set realistic goals and determine an achievable plan for reaching them.
If the goal is to learn to speak Kannada at an advanced level in just one month by studying only two hours per week; it’s far from a realistic expectation.
However, if you plan to achieve an advanced level by studying and practising Kannada for multiple hours a day, over the course of three months, that might actually be doable. If you are not sure how to study the integral aspects of the language, start by learning the rules.
Fluency in Kannada is a need-based personal opinion. Language proficiency or linguistic proficiency is the ability of an individual to speak or perform in a Kannada. For some being able to hold an understandable basic conversation with their business clients or friends could mean fluency, for others, however, it could mean being able to manoeuvre their way around while travelling, or an advanced skill level that allows you to engage in meaningful conversations, and for the others fluency could we actually talk like a native Kannada speaker. Whatever be your personal parameter or need, it is important to note that there are different levels of fluency available!
