Written by Gabriela Estrada

The desire to learn English is widespread throughout Latin America, but for many, this language is a challenge with a very particular limit, and not just geographically. It is an invisible and powerful barrier that paralyzes them from speaking it: fear. This phenomenon, known as glossophobia (pathological fear of speaking in public), manifests itself with particular intensity when trying to communicate in the second language.

In this blog, I will share with you a simple explanation about the neuroscience of learning so you can understand how the brain reacts to language and, most importantly, how to turn off that panic so you can start speaking fluently.

Read to the end and master the limits of your brain - let's get started!

Fear and neuroscience: cognitive blockage

The neurolinguistics is the best way to understand where fear lies, because it is a biological response. When we do not want mistakes or to be misunderstood, we immediately activate the amygdalaan important brain structure that is responsible for processing emotions, detecting danger and managing the memory for resolution: in this case, the amygdala, fleeing, hiding, not speaking.

When the amygdala is activated, two things happen:

1. Language is blocked, because the emotional stress response prioritizes "flight or fight", and this inhibits the activity of the neocortex. neocortexThis is the area where the executive functions and language areas (Broca and Wernicke) reside. This is where your fears live!
2. Failure of working memorybecause fear consumes your short-term memory capacity, and this makes it difficult for you to access the vocabulary stored in the hippocampus. hippocampus. The result of all this is that your mind goes blank and with it the feeling of "forgetting everything" when you speak.

This mental paralysis is what keeps a person "condemned to silence" in a conversation, even with close friends and despite having the theoretical knowledge.

Learn about three mental barriers to learning that are blocking your English

Identifying the barriers is the first step in deactivating the amygdala response. The three most common psychological blocks that impede progress in English are:

1. Fear of error

This is a very common trigger of the blockage that manifests itself when we fear that no one will understand what we say or that our mistakes will be judged. Feeding this fear only impedes brain plasticity. brain plasticity necessary to incorporate English into active communication.

If this has been happening to you persistently, then you may need to rethink how you are managing your learning structure. It is best to do this with a progress plan.

2. Shame

It manifests itself as a panic of mispronunciation or of the native accent being "too obvious". Sometimes over-marking the "R" is associated with mockery and social parodies that remain in the collective memory and at the slightest hint of a similar pronunciation activates the embarrassment that holds the tongue, paralyzes the articulatory muscles and, again, silence in conversation.

Pronouncing well is a matter of constant practice!

3. Stagnation

Swimming in the comfort zone only blocks your vocabulary, because it makes you feel that what little you have is "enough and valid". This attitude creates a vicious circle that needs to be broken: "I don't speak because I don't know, and I don't know because I don't need to speak". Many Latinos want to learn English, but are content to speak their native Spanish with their peers. But with this, they miss out on good opportunities for work, international study, socializing abroad, etc., and the profile for advancement remains stagnant.

How to achieve cognitive reprogramming: Strategies for cognitive reprogramming 

The technique to overcome these blocks is based on transforming paralysis into action, forcing the brain to create new neural pathways stronger than the fear route. For each block there is a strategy. let's see:

Strategy 1: Decide to overcome fear with structure

The cognitive structure requires formalizing learning. To avoid procrastination or exclusive reliance on free apps, it is best to take courses that offer planning and clear objectives. It is like thinking about: "I'm at level zero, but in two months I will manage to use simple sentences with basic words and expressions to name people, objects, places, tell the time, count, etc.

That level of progress is perfect to start with and builds self-confidence in speaking!

Strategy 2: practice in private with the possibility of having Feedback

To overcome embarrassment, it is vital to practice in a safe environment. Record your voice and listen to it for self-correction. If you have a certified teacher, ask for feedback. feedback direct feedback on your audios. Ideally, practice with peers of the same or similar level so that you receive feedback without the pressure of mockery. On the contrary, in a purely formative context.

Strategy 3: living surrounded by 80/20 English-speaking vocabulary 

To get out of your comfort zone, use the 80/20 Vocabularywhich are the most common and crucial words in English (basic verbs, connectors, and terms from your profession or interests). Search on your own, don't just rely on English classes to learn everyday vocabulary.

This is called linguistic immersion in your environment. If you live in Latin America and no one speaks English in your environment, then use tags, listen to podcastsdo simple readings, because the brain learns to produce better when it receives clear and constant stimuli.

Reprogramming the brain involves decision

The simple act of wanting to change is already a step. The fear of speaking English is a blockage that can be overcome, as long as it is done with discipline and the right structure.

Every year, thousands of professionals rethink how to overcome their mental limits and decide to sign up for a certified English course. The end result is a new bilingual Latino ready for success.

At Planeta Immiland Educationwe are also ready to help you overcome your fears and raise your level. Thanks to our team of certified teachers, we can offer you the most effective English and French learning strategies.

Get to know our regular program, with courses from level zero or Beginner to Advance. To start, you can take the free placement test with immediate results on the corresponding course and a special discount.

I hope this topic will be useful. If you want more information please contact us at and we will be glad to help you with whatever you need.

Thanks for reading, see you!

With love, 

Planet Immiland