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If you're going to learn a new language, you can't try to be perfect. You'll stop yourself from talking. You just have to let go.
Yao Ming
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Learning a new language requires accepting imperfection to communicate effectively.

In this quote, Yao Ming emphasizes the importance of allowing oneself to make mistakes when learning a new language. The fear of making errors can inhibit progress and prevent meaningful communication; thus, embracing imperfection is crucial for language acquisition and fluency.

Themes

LanguageLearningImperfectionCommunicationGrowth

In practice

Example use cases

This quote could be shared during a language class to encourage students to speak without fear.

More from Yao Ming

Every sound in the gym is so fantastic. The screams of the fans, the whistle of the ref, the teammates calling to each other, the sounds of the ball touching the wooden floor, the sneakers touching the floor, and the sounds of the fight, the muscle and the sweat. Oh, and the last one-when the ball goes through the net. Don't laugh at my sensitivity and romanticism - those sounds really attract me.
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When I was young, we were taught not to dunk. We were taught not to stand out from the rest of the team. It's different now.
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When the buying stops, the killing can too.
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I only want to play basketball, and play it well and be happy about it. But I realize that with being famous, comes a lot of demands.
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