Language Doesn’t Need to Be Perfect

— On Growing the Courage to Speak, Mistakes and All

When learning a language, many people fear making mistakes.

They think: “I have to speak correctly,” or “What if I sound foolish?”

That fear can become so strong, it silences their voice.

But is language really only about getting things right?

What I care about most is the desire to speak.

Even if the words come slowly, even if they’re few—

if someone truly wants to express something, that’s already meaningful.

Mistakes are not failures.

They are the starting point of learning, not the end.

Language is not a tool to be perfected—it’s a bridge for connection.

As a teacher, I want to create a space where learners feel safe to speak.

A place where it’s okay to try, to get it wrong, to be themselves.

I want to honour who they are now, and support the path they’re building.

Language doesn’t need to be perfect.

In fact, it’s the imperfections that bring people closer together.