How to learn a new language | Why it's never too late to start
It's always possible to learn a new language. Here's what you need to know and how we can help.
It is often said that children have an advantage when it comes to learning languages, but that doesn't mean that, as adults, we can't learn a new language. With the right approach, anyone can master new language skills just as well as children.
As for why to give languages a try as an adult, a study published in the journal Neuropsychologia found that bilingual people have better cognitive function than monolingual people and that better attention, memory, and decision-making skills were linked to being able to speak two languages.
Studies also show that students who learn a second language later in life can benefit from the above neurological changes, no matter their level. So, if you want to try a new language, here's what you need to know.
What are the easiest languages to learn as an English speaker?
The six easiest languages to learn for English speakers are Spanish, French, Swedish, Italian, Dutch and Portuguese.
These languages are considered easier to learn for English speakers because they share many similarities with the English language in terms of vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. For example, all of these languages use the Latin alphabet and have many words similar to English.
These languages are also widely spoken, so a wealth of resources are available to help learners learn and practice the language. For example, podcasts, radio shows and TV shows which will allow learners to practice speaking and listening to the language.
What makes learning a language easier?
Whether or not learning a language is easy depends on a number of factors, including your motivation, aptitude, and prior language learning experience. Some people find learning a new language relatively easy, while others find it more challenging.
Prior language learning experience: If you have already learned one or more languages, you will have an advantage when learning a new language. This is because you will already be familiar with the basic language learning concepts, such as grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation.
Motivation: If you are motivated to learn a new language, you are likelier to stick with it and persevere through the challenges.Aptitude: Some people are naturally better at learning languages than others. This is due to a combination of factors, including personality traits (risk takers are better at languages as they are willing to take risks by trying their language skills) and environment.
Some factors can make learning a language more challenging:
Age: It is generally easier for children to learn languages than adults because children's brains are more plastic and better able to learn new things.
Difficulty of the language: Some languages are more challenging to learn than others. This is due to several factors, such as the complexity of the grammar, the number of different sounds in the language, and the alphabet used.
Lack of resources: If you do not have access to good resources, such as language classes, tutors, books, and apps, it can be more challenging to learn a new language.
What can I do to make the journey easier?
Set realistic goals. Don't expect to become fluent overnight. Set small, achievable goals for yourself, such as learning ten new words a week or holding a basic conversation in the language.
Work with a language tutor.
A tutor can tailor lessons to your needs and learning style. This means that you will focus on the areas where you need the most help and learn at a comfortable pace. A tutor can provide you with immediate feedback on your pronunciation and vocabulary and provide you with opportunities to practice, which is essential for developing fluency.
Find a learning method that works for you.
There are many different ways to learn a language. Some people prefer to take classes, while others prefer to learn independently using books, apps, or online resources. Experiment with different methods to find one that you enjoy and that fits your learning style.
Be consistent with practice.
It's better to practice for 30 minutes every day than to study for 3 hours once a week. Try to set aside some time each day to study your new language.
Don't be afraid to make mistakes.
Everyone makes mistakes when they're learning a new language. It's important not to let your fear of making mistakes hold you back from speaking and practising the language.
Immerse yourself in the language as much as possible.
One of the best ways to learn a new language is to immerse yourself in it as much as possible. This means surrounding yourself with the language as much as you can. You can do this by watching movies and TV shows, listening to music, and reading books and articles in the language you are studying. You can also try to find opportunities to speak with native speakers of the language.