As an adult, it is common that you to feel you have ‘missed the boat’ when learning another language. Or picking up things like musical instruments. Many of us spend our adult years regretting the skills and activities we neglected as children. However, for many adults, learning a foreign language is not as challenging as it might sound.
Is it easier as a child? Yes. It is impossible as an adult? Absolutely not. With that in mind, which tips could help you to learn a foreign language could you learn as you get older?
You need a clear motivation
Adults find it harder to learn because their lives are so busy they often find it hard to justify the ‘wasted’ time. That is why you need a reason. Think you need a holiday? Then choose a destination and say you will go there in 12-18 months. In that timeframe, you then need to learn the language and see how it makes you feel.
Find a way to learn you enjoy
The way you learn language matters, too. Not everyone wants to attend educational classes, so you could use a self-learning tool such as Duolingo or Rosetta Stone. This will make sure that you can learn something that you genuinely enjoy the process of, ensuring that you are more likely to keep it going. If you did not enjoy academia when you were at school, it is unlikely to change when you become an adult.
Find someone that you can learn alongside
The other secret to learning a language is to find a social aspect. Find someone who you can progress with, and who you can hold accountable. This is really useful for making sure you both keep learning and that you do not fall off track as you try and educate yourself.
These simple tips should make it easier for you to see that learning a language in later life is not impossible. It is harder, yes, but you can easily find that having motivation, a way of learning, and a social aspect of your education will keep you on the right path.