Is it ever too late to learn a new language?

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…

Neuroplasticity

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.

Learn like a kid!

• Free yourself from the pressure to be perfect. We expect kids to make mistakes when they’re learning, but we berate ourselves when we do the same. If we break away from the need to be perfect, we’ll be able to take more linguistic risks and really learn from our mistakes. All humans learn from experience, not just kids.

 

• Don’t be intimidated. One of the advantages child language learners have over adults is their perception that learning new things is not as big a challenge as it may seem. Children are constantly learning new things throughout their childhood; it doesn’t intimidate them, it’s just normal for them. Whereas adult learners often perceive learning a new language from scratch as an enormous task which seems daunting and somewhat unachievable. This immediately puts them at a disadvantage. Why? Because PMA (positive mental attitude) is key to any success.

Keep your (adult) head!

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.

• Harness your linguistic wisdom. One huge advantage that adult learners have is the knowledge and wisdom we acquire from having perfected our own native  language. We understand the idea of grammar; that we use it to express past, present and future. We understand there are different types of words: verbs, nouns, adjectives etc. We can also call on a wider understanding of languages to make an educated guess of what new words in a foreign language might mean. For example, take a look at these German words and guess the English translation (answers at the end of this article):

Wasser Haus Vater

• Embrace your metacognitive skills. As a fully-fledged adult, you will inevitably (perhaps without realising) have some learning tricks up your sleeve – something we have over the kids. Not only have you learnt a language before, you’ve also studied a number of subjects at school and university. This experience has equipped you with an understanding of how you best learn. You know revision techniques, you know what type of learner you are, you know your interests, you know your strengths and weaknesses and you are able to understand the importance of education.

Final thoughts

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:

1. Learn hard – language acquisition doesn’t happen through osmosis (unfortunately!)
2. Learn smart – use your inherent skills to learn efficiently and effectively
3. Learn like a kid – copy the experts and don’t be afraid to make mistakes, and have fun!

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

References

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

About the author

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.

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