Fans of the Harry Potter series know that your Hogwarts house says a lot about who you are and the type of person you’ll become. Your sorting hat placement can be seen as a guide to your personality, your passions and how you face life’s challenges.
We took this idea a step further: can your Hogwarts house determine how you should approach language learning? We’ve looked at the link between personality and studying languages in the past, but this time we’re adding a little magic to the mix. Not sure which Hogwarts house you belong in? Take the Pottermore quiz.
Hogwarts House: Gryffindor
Gryffindors are associated with the qualities of courage and determination. They are brave and bold leaders in all aspects of their lives. How does this translate to language learning?
If you’re a Gryffindor, one way this can be applied in your study of a new language is by taking risks that other learners might be more reluctant to take. Perhaps you could go for a more challenging language or an immersion-based learning experience, like living in another country and learning the local language because you don’t have much of a choice. Even if you learn at home, you can still be bolder in practicing your speaking skills right away with native speakers or other learners. This will speed up the process of becoming proficient enough to have conversations.
Hogwarts House: Hufflepuff
Hufflepuffs value loyalty, hard work, patience and fair play. They are also helpful and kind to others, and they value collaboration.
When it comes to language learning, if you’re a Hufflepuff, you should find ways to work with other people or join a community to help you with your studies. There are many online language-learning communities on forums and social media platforms, where you can chat with other learners and exchange advice and stories. Or you can look for in-person Meetup groups, which allow you to practice your new language face-to-face. Because you believe deeply in the value of patience, don’t be afraid to take your time with your studies, setting aside a few minutes every day to work on improving your language skills.
Hogwarts House: Ravenclaw
Ravenclaws are intellectuals — wit, wisdom and learning are the areas in which they thrive and the things they value most. Thus, language learning is a natural fit for members of this house.
If you’re a Ravenclaw, you may be interested in learning all of the ins and outs of your new language. Rather than simply memorizing some basic phrases you can use abroad, focus on how the language works, paying particular attention to grammatical rules and exceptions. Like Gryffindors, you may also enjoy taking on a language that tends to be more difficult for English speakers to learn. For you, there’s nothing like a good challenge for the brain!
Hogwarts House: Slytherin
Slytherins are known for being proud, ambitious and cunning. They get a bad rap for being the house that tends to produce villains, but Slytherins can just as easily make clever and driven leaders.
Slytherins often avoid things that don’t benefit them, so if you’re a Slytherin, you’ll want to establish a clear motivation for learning a new language. Perhaps it’s to prepare for an upcoming trip to another country, or maybe it’s to one-up your arch-nemesis. Whatever the reason, keep your motives in mind as you go about your studies. Because of your pride and ambition, you may be less afraid to practice speaking in the real world, which will help you master the language more quickly.