It was interesting to learn that when kids are growing up, they have a better understanding of learning a new language because they do not have the anxiety and the stress to learn a new language as adults do. Parents, and siblings alike, are able to criticize and critique a child’s learning without repercussions. However, regardless of reason, this should not deter adults from learning a new language. Like children, adults also have strengths when it comes to learning a new language as they are able to use strategic thinking and intellectual skills to help them. There are also a variety of techniques that can be used to help learn a new language. While it is important to have confidence, it is also important to develop a plan. We need to develop specific goals and strategies. Adult language learners need to focus on the steps in which they will be able to become fluent in a given language, they can’t simply look at the end goal. For example, they need to plan on when and how they will study a language. In comparison to children, adults already know what grammar is, and how it works. This alone helps immensely to learning a new language. Finally, it is important to understand that learning a new language takes time, strategy and dedication.
Key Takeaways:
- The biggest roadblock to an older person learning a foreign language is ANXIETY about learning the language.
- It is our mastery of life and specialized skills as we age that works against us in learning a new language. For example, when you are 50, you learned and honed many skills that you didn’t know at 25
- Have a plan, not just the end goal of speaking the language. What are the steps?
“Unlike children, adults are strategic learners who can leverage those unique intellectual skills that they have honed over a lifetime in the service of language learning.”
Read more: https://healthyaging.net/education/another-language-at-any-age/
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