Children spend much of their early lives asking questions. Whether it’s the 2-year-old’s constant “what?” or the 3-year-old’s constant “why?” the level of curiosity they express helps them learn, not only about the world, but also Remember when you were a child and constantly asking questions about everything? Why is the sky blue? What’s that called? How does this work? Those endless questions weren’t just cute—they were powerful learning tools. The more adults answered, the more you absorbed vocabulary, sentence structures, and language conventions. This natural curiosity is an essential part of growing up because language itself is an essential part of life.

But as we get older, that same curiosity tends to fade. We stop asking “What’s this?” or “Why?” Sometimes it’s because rigid classrooms don’t make room for creative inquiry. Sometimes cultural expectations—especially in the U.S.—push us to hide what we don’t know. Often, we’re just too busy to be curious. Unfortunately, this quieting of curiosity does a disservice to our ability to learn—whether it’s mastering new technology, understanding complex ideas, or picking up a new language.

The good news is that we can bring curiosity back. With flexibility, courage, and by weaving learning into our busy lives, we can turn curiosity into a powerful tool that makes learning exciting instead of a chore.

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Step One: Return to Those Childhood Questions

What:
This is perhaps the most important question for language learners. Asking “what” helps us build vocabulary—and when we’re the ones asking, we’re more motivated to remember the words. Of course, mastering basic words like people and food is essential. But curiosity pushes us beyond the basics. For example, if I’m on a ranch about to ride a horse, I might get curious about the words around me: What’s that thing on the horse’s face called (halter)? What’s this strap called (cinch)? What do you call that blend of feed the horse loves (grain)? These words probably won’t be on early vocabulary lists, but asking about them exposes me to new words and makes me more likely to remember them. This makes vocabulary learning way more fun than memorizing lists for hours.

Why:
Parents might get tired of a kid asking “why” all the time, but this question is crucial for moving beyond vocabulary and into deeper understanding. Sometimes we just accept “because it is,” but that shuts down curiosity and limits learning. I use “why” a lot when exploring grammar—not to ask why a word sounds a certain way (language is arbitrary, after all)—but to ask why certain grammar rules work or why patterns differ. This kind of curiosity helps my brain internalize how the language functions beyond just the basics. Plus, it’s fun! That “aha” moment when something clicks is especially rewarding.

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Handling the Challenges of Asking Questions

It can be intimidating to ask questions. A stressed teacher might want to avoid going into grammar details and say “it is what it is.” A neighbor might roll their eyes if you ask what the word is for that thing that spits water from the ground (sprinkler). To handle this, seek out people who welcome your curiosity—there are plenty! Passionate teachers and tutors love questions. Friends who speak your new language natively are invaluable. But when you’re not around those people, you need courage and the willingness to shrug off judgment. Keep asking.

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Use Technology to Feed Your Curiosity

Learning to use technology can help you find answers and spark even more questions. A quick internet search can explain why English puts question words at the start of sentences—but it might also help you notice when someone says, “She’s going where?” That sentence shifts the question word’s placement to add surprise or emotion. Technology helps you dive deeper, and a good chatbot can make this process even easier by doing the searching for you.

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Let Your Curiosity Lead the Way

Nurturing your curiosity helps you overcome language challenges, develop a deeper understanding, and enjoy the learning process. Don’t be afraid to let your inner toddler out. Curiosity isn’t just a childhood phase—it’s the key to lifelong learning.