There are basically two ways to learn a language: on your own as a self-taught learner, or through in-person classes and more traditional, formal instruction. Learning a language can be hugely rewarding, but deciding how to go about it is a real challenge—and the right choice makes a big difference to how fast, and how enjoyably, you progress. If you're wondering which approach helps you learn a language quickly, the truth is that both have their pros and cons. Let's explore them together so you can find the one that fits you best!
Key takeaways:
- Self-study offers flexibility, personalization, and a lower cost.
- Its main challenge is staying motivated and catching your own mistakes.
- Formal classes give you a teacher's feedback, structure, and peers to practice with.
- Their biggest drawback is usually cost and a fixed schedule.
- The best choice depends on your learning style—or combine both.
The advantages of self-study
There are two advantages you shouldn’t overlook if you decide to learn a language on your own: flexibility and personalization. Your schedule is mostly up to you—you choose when and where to study, and you set your own pace. You can also mix and match the kinds of tools and resources you use to practice the different skills of a language.
You’re also free to focus on the topics that interest you most. That saves you time, since you’re not forced to learn things that won’t be useful to you or that don’t excite you.
Another important advantage is the affordable cost of self-study. You can learn a huge amount using nothing but free online resources and tools. And while the best language-learning resources aren’t always 100% free, they generally cost far less than in-person classes—no matter where you live. If budget is your main concern, take a look at our guide to how to learn a language for free.
The disadvantages of independent language learning
Depending on your learning style, self-directed study can come with a few challenges. The biggest is probably staying motivated over the long haul. Without a weekly class or a teacher keeping an eye on your progress, it can be easy to lose focus and give up. Another downside is that you might not be aware of your own mistakes, which can hold back your progress.
The good news: there’s a solution. The MosaLingua app helps you avoid learning useless vocabulary in the first place. You can also use MosaChat-AI, our AI-powered language tutor, which instantly corrects your mistakes when you write or speak to it. It can even turn those mistakes into flashcards you can memorize so you don’t make the same slip twice.
The advantages of traditional instruction
The guidance and support you get from a teacher are the main advantages of traditional instruction. A teacher can help you identify the areas where you need to improve and give you targeted feedback. On top of that, you benefit from a structured curriculum that makes sure you cover everything you need.
Another advantage of formal (or traditional) instruction is the chance to interact with other learners. You get to practice the language with other people in a small-group setting—a fun, engaging way to learn, especially for the more extroverted among us.
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The disadvantages of traditional instruction
For most learners, the biggest drawback of traditional instruction is the cost. Language schools and private tutors can be expensive—sometimes very expensive—depending on where you live and which language you want to learn.
You’re also usually tied to a set weekly schedule, which can be tricky if you have other commitments.
Which method should you choose?
It mostly comes down to your personal preferences and the way you learn.
Self-study is ideal if you find motivation on your own and want the freedom to explore at your own pace. Traditional instruction is a better fit if you want the support and guidance of a teacher and a structured curriculum. The most important thing is to find a method that works for you—and stick with it.
My two cents as a lifelong language learner: you don’t have to pick a side forever. I’ve made the most progress by self-studying day to day—short, flexible sessions—and bringing in a teacher or conversation partner only when I need feedback on my speaking. Start with whatever fits your life right now, and let the method evolve as your level and your schedule change.
Luca
And if you want the best of both worlds, we recommend MosaLingua Premium. With our learning platform, you can study whenever you want and fit your sessions around your schedule. You’ll focus on the vocabulary that matters most to you and get access to audio, video, and text resources hand-picked by the MosaLingua team to help you practice every language skill. You can even chat with a virtual tutor, available 24/7 to answer your questions, clear up any doubts, and help you improve your pronunciation.
Video: self-study vs. traditional learning
Watch Abbe break it all down in the video below.
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Keep exploring
If you found this helpful, you might enjoy these articles too:
- The 5 language-learning methods you need to know
- Techniques for building new language-learning habits
- What’s the best way to learn a language?
Whichever path you choose, the best method is the one you’ll actually stick with. Which side are you on—self-study, classes, or a bit of both? Let us know in the comments!
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