Regular writing in other languages is a great habit for language learning. Ever wondered what’s missing from your language learning? How does it seem so easy for everyone else? This could be the missing piece.

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A New Perspective on Writing for Better Language Results

There’s a lot of focus on speaking when it comes to learning a language. It’s easy to see why. Language is at its core all about communication. For many of us, speaking is the end goal we actually mean when we say we want to be “fluent” in a language.

Writing gets ignored. It’s not seen as useful, as worthwhile, or as a productive use of language study time.

Besides, around half of the languages in the world don’t actually have a written form. We always hear about the ‘four skills’ of language learning like they’re the four horsemen of the apocalypse, a fine team. But writing (and as a result, reading) isn’t an option for around half the world’s languages.

So does that mean that yes, speaking is king and writing is a waste of time? After all, if half the world’s languages exist without it, then we’re good, right? We can ignore writing (and reading)?

Think of it this way instead: if language is communication, and expression, the written form is an additional way of expression. What a joy! That you have an extra way to express yourself in this new language!

And, on top of that, with every skill in language learning – speaking, listening, reading and writing – we can see these as both a goal and a tool. What I mean by that isn’t a football net and a spanner. I mean that writing can act as a tool for learning more and practicing the language to not only get better at writing, but other skills too.

The Role of Writing in Language Learning

Watch the video below to learn more about the role writing plays in your language learning.

Here’s 5 big benefits of writing to show you why regular writing could be the missing piece of your language learning success.

Benefit 1 – More permanent

If you’re thinking about producing more of the language rather than consuming, the default is probably “I need to speak more!”

So let’s start with some writing vs speaking comparison.

Ding ding, round one.

When we compare writing and speaking, one of the most obvious differences is that in most situations, writing is more permanent than speaking.

This can be a reason we get put off, the fear of our mistakes being permanently laid down in ink.

But there’s a benefit here beyond that. The permanency of writing automatically helps us to document our progress. I discussed the benefits of documenting your language learning in another article here.

Related: How Do You Know When You’re Fluent in a Language?: Fluency vs Fluidity vs Accuracy

Benefit 2 – Slower process

Another side-by-side comparison of writing and speaking is speed. Speaking is often faster, writing is often slower.

The benefit to us when it comes to writing being slower? More thinking time.

Writing allows us space to process our thoughts a little before committing them to paper (or digital paper!)

This extra thinking time can give us more time to produce better language, without the pressure to ‘perform’ we sometimes feel with speaking. This in turn helps us when speaking, because the more we practice that process, the quicker we can do it, and therefore, the easier it is when speaking.

This is also true in relation to vocabulary learning. We think it needs to be something fast, but we can’t force-feed our brain too many words. It’s too easy to overload our vocab cup that way.

Writing can play a really useful role in helping us to learn vocabulary better (& remember it).

Related: Speedy Gains & Steady Growth: What Successful Language Learning Looks Like

Benefit 3 – More private

That pressure to perform with speaking? Often a big stumbling block we face when speaking. You can (and should!) definitely practice speaking solo too. That’s where you’ll find confidence with speaking alongside speaking with others.

But writing, more often than not, unless you choose otherwise, is a private practice. Something you can keep to yourself very easily.

This means that you can worry less about making mistakes, and just make them!

Concerned that means you won’t improve because you won’t notice your own mistakes? No worries.

You can use online translators like Google Translate for quick back and forth checks.

You can check with a tutor or a friend to see if they can spot your mistakes.

Or, and this is a worthy skill to develop, you can get good at self-assessing your language learning.

Related: 4 Essential Mindset Shifts for Language Learning

Benefit 4 – Creative space

Writing doesn’t just have to be writing a sentence each day about your day. It totally could be! And if that works for you, then do it.

But part of the joy of writing is the sheer quantity of ways you can explore and get creative with the language.

Writing gives you a creative space to experiment with the language. From poetry, to imaginary dialogues, to short social media style comments, there’s endless ways to enjoy writing.

Here’s some suggestions for all the writing resources you’ll ever need.

Related: How to Personalise Any Language Resource

Benefit 5 – Speaking practice

And all this writing you create? What a wonderful chance to practice your speaking!

Sure, speaking still might be your end goal, but that doesn’t mean writing can’t be a fun tool you use along the way to help improve overall.

And, everything you write? This gives you material to practice your speaking with. No falling back on the same “hello my name is…” monologue again and again!

You could even use writing as an inspiration to create something between italki* lessons and give you a talking point for the next lesson with your tutor.

This makes writing a great tool to help you start speaking for the first time.

Related: How to Overcome Shyness When Speaking a Foreign Language