A learning paradox

Anyone who has learned a second language knows that listening and understanding a second language is passive learning, but learning to speak and putting together proper grammar is active learning. Learning to write in a non-English script (Japanese, Chinese, Arabic, etc) is also done through active learning, whereas reading is more passive learning. Things that need active repetition are acquired through active learning (doing), but things that don't require active doing (listening, reading) are acquired through passive learning. Your ability to speak and write will lag serious behind your ability to read and understand if you don't actively practice it. You don't really learn to speak or write passively.

/r/askpsychology Thread