Too serious or not serious enough?

Do some people take language learning too serious or not serious enough?

I've seen comments where language learners criticize others for being "too hardcore", "too obsessive" or "too serious". At the same time there are "serious" language learners who criticize others for being "not efficient", "lazy" or "not serious enough", because they prefer to learn at their own pace, take breaks or like to learn several languages instead of focusing on one language to reach a native-like level as fast as possible.

People also argue a lot about whose achievements are more impressive: The one who learned several languages to a level at where they can use the language comfortably (not perfect but they can use their language skills the way they want). Or the one who reached a native-like level in one language within a few years (especially if it's a language that is considered as very difficult and exotic, like Japanese, Chinese, Korean, ... ).

One question: Does it really matter, if others are impressed? 

Sometimes I have the impression, that some people learn a language to impress. Maybe it's not their only motivation, but it seems like the "coolness factor" is important to them. They treat language learning like a sport or competition. This may be the reason why many people criticize some "serious language learners" for being "arrogant" and for "looking down on others".

On the other hand, some "serious language learners" make fun of casual language learners who like to learn several languages. Because they speak one or two of them fluently (good but not native-level), for example, but the level of the other languages is not very high. In their opinion, it's pointless to do something without becoming really good in a short amount of time. They don't want to learn a language for 10 years until they reach a high level — they want to be really good as fast as possible. Dabbling in different languages is a waste of time in their opinion. 

So, who is right? Which path is better? 

Comparing casual joggers with marathon runners

When I see how fiercely both sides defend their way of learning and criticize each other for being too serious or not serious enough, I think that they are not aware that everyone has different goals and a different personality. Not everyone can learn a language "hardcore" without burning out. But what is too hardcore for one person may be ok for another person. 

There are people who like to work hard and feel great if they make fast progress. They would hate it to learn a language casually because they would feel like they are wasting their time. They want to make progress. They want to compete. This is what drives them forward. This is not necessarily a negative thing, as long as it doesn't turn into obsessive and unhealthy behavior. It's just how they are. 

People who treat language learning more like a hobby and not like a sport, on the other hand, have other goals and priorities than the "serious learners". Maybe they are interested in many languages and cultures. They may be completely satisfied to reach a level at where they can communicate with their friends or neighbors who are native speakers of their target languages. They are not afraid to make mistakes. There's no necessity to speak exactly like a native. They don't want to impress. Or they watch movies in their target languages once or twice a week — just for fun, not to reach the next level. They just want to have a good time. That's also absolutely fine!

Comparing the learning style of people with different goals is like comparing someone who jogs for fun with someone who is training for a marathon. One person just wants to feel good, the other person wants to win. Both goals are valid. If you want to win a marathon, it doesn't make sense to do what the casual jogger does (and vice versa), of course.

In my opinion, it doesn't matter which path you choose, as long as you are satisfied and spend your time in a way you really enjoy. There's nothing wrong with being ambitious and working towards your goal, as long as it doesn't turn into obsessive and unhealthy behavior. It's also okay, if you learn different languages just for fun without reaching a high level. You don't have to impress anyone. If you feel good and enjoy what you are doing, you do it right.

Please note that just because a certain learning style is not right for you doesn't mean that it's wrong for everyone. Other people may have other goals and priorities than you. This influences their learning style. There's no reason to criticize other people for their "too hardcore" or "too inefficient" learning styles. Their way to learn a language is probably right for them.