By Anna Sobell
We’ve all heard that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but is that really the case when it comes to language learning? Should all us ‘old dogs’ just give up the ghost now and not even attempt to broaden our linguistic horizons? Let’s take a look at what the experts say…
The idea that the brain has a fixed structure, unable to change and adapt was proven incorrect following a series of studies in the 1960s, thus proving that you can indeed teach an old dog new tricks. The research showed that the brain is in fact a highly dynamic structure which can adapt and change itself in response to new experiences, hence the term ‘neuroplasticity’.
Although neuroplasticity exists in all brains, regardless of age, the plasticity does decrease the older the brain gets. This explains why children seemingly learn new languages with more ease than their fully matured counterparts. But it’s not only this reason that kids pip adults to the post when it comes to language acquisition, they also have a few nifty knacks that we’d be advised to wise up to.
Don’t feel too disheartened, there are actually plenty of compelling reasons why adults are in fact very well-equipped to learn languages at any time.
Wasser Haus Vater
So, is it ever too late to learn a new language? Simply put, the answer is ‘no’, if you stick to these 3 magic rules:
Learning a new language can be an incredibly powerful skill; not only can it strengthen the human brain, it also makes excellent business sense to get this skill under your belt, find out why here.
So, are you feeling inspired? Why not find out how we can help you, or your employees – just click here.
Answers: Water, house, father
https://wonderopolis.org/wonder/is-it-ever-too-late-to-learn-a-new-language
https://www.ef.com/blog/language/never-too-late-to-learn-a-language/
https://www.theguardian.com/education/2014/sep/13/am-i-too-old-to-learn-a-language
Anna is an Account Manager in the corporate team, looking after a portfolio of corporate clients, including two of her team’s largest language training programmes. Anna was an English language teacher for over 10 years before joining Language Services Direct. She has two language-teaching qualifications: the CELTA and the Licentiate Diploma in TESOL. She taught both in the UK and abroad: in Istanbul, Sydney and Prague. Anna then went on to work as Senior Teacher and then Assistant Director of Studies at a school in Brighton.
Anna applies her academic knowledge and wealth of teaching experience to her duties as an Account Manager and is able to provide meaningful support to our clients, trainers and learners.