Language Myths That Are Holding You Back (And What To Do Instead)
Author’s Column by Tymur Levitin — Founder & Director of Levitin Language School / Start Language School by Tymur Levitin
Every day I hear the same questions:
– Why can’t I speak, even though I study regularly?
– Is it true that I don’t need grammar?
– Is there a shortcut to learn faster?
And every day I see the same ads:
– “Speak without grammar!”
– “Just practice, no theory!”
– “Learn 3000 words — speak fluently!”
It all sounds nice. But as someone who’s been teaching for over 20 years, I’ll tell you the truth:
These are myths. And they’re making you stuck.
Here’s why — and what actually works.
❌ Myth 1: “You don’t need grammar — just speak!”
Truth: Without grammar, you can’t build real sentences.
Grammar is not rules — it’s logic. It’s how language holds together.
You may learn “I’ve been waiting for you”, but freeze when someone says:
“If I had been waiting, I would have missed my train.”
You know the words. But not the structure.
We don’t teach grammar as rules. We teach it as patterns of thought.
❌ Myth 2: “3000 words are enough to speak any language”
Truth: A word is just a brick.
But you can’t build a house without a plan.
You may know “take”, “chance”, “off”…
But what is “take off”? What is “take a chance on me”?
Words only work in context. And context requires understanding.
We teach you how words live in real sentences.
❌ Myth 3: “Pronunciation doesn’t matter. Just speak!”
Truth: If people can’t understand you — it matters.
You laugh when foreigners say “palianytsia” wrong?
They laugh too when you say “vegetable” as ve-ge-table.
Pronunciation is not about accent. It’s about clarity.
And respect. And being heard.
❌ Myth 4: “A native speaker is the best teacher”
Truth: Knowing a language ≠ being able to teach it.
A good driver is not always a good instructor.
And many native speakers don’t know how to explain grammar or logic.
Teaching is a profession. It takes method, practice, and empathy.
❌ Myth 5: “Exams show your real level”
Truth: Exams test your exam-taking skills — not your speaking ability.
I’ve seen fluent students fail IELTS.
And high-scorers freeze in real-life conversations.
We prepare students for both: exams and life.
❌ Myth 6: “Learn American English. British is useless.”
Truth: It’s not about choosing sides.
It’s about understanding both.
American English is relaxed. British is more structured.
If you only know one, the other will confuse you.
Real learning = understanding the differences.
❌ Myth 7: “I want it fast. I want it now. Give me the hack!”
Truth: There is no hack.
There’s only smart, structured work.
You can study 8 hours a day and still fail —
if you don’t understand what you’re doing.
We won’t waste your time. But we also won’t lie to you.
✅ Final truth
Language is not a magic trick.
It’s a system. A way of thinking.
And if you learn it with understanding — it becomes natural.
At Levitin Language School, we don’t promise miracles.
We offer something better:
✔ A personal approach
✔ Logic instead of memorization
✔ Real teachers who guide you
✔ And a learning path built around you
© Tymur Levitin — Founder, Director and Senior Teacher
Levitin Language School / Start Language School by Tymur Levitin
🔗 https://languagelearnings.com
🔗 https://levitinlanguageschool.com