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Learning a language is often thought of as the preserve of the young, the adventurous, children at school or travellers looking to broaden the mind by journeying to exotic new destinations. But language is a special part of being human and learning a new language can be as thrilling and rewarding for an octogenarian as for a teenager.

Some people think that it can sometimes be too late to learn a language. However, others believe that a greater age can help someone appreciate the subtleties of language.  In fact, older people often have better pronunciation skills and usually a stronger motivation. But can it ever be too late to teach an old dog new tricks?

Barriers For Older People Learning a New Language

Language can be seen as one of the few constants in our lives. Wherever we go, whatever we learn, our native language is always there for us to enjoy.

We can use our native language by reading, going to the theatre, watching a film or conversing with friends and strangers. We can always rely on the good old language of our native home.

 

This is why it can seem daunting to learn a new language as we get older. It can feel a little like leaving home, moving away from what we know to a new and strange place where everything feels out of control.

These issues can form a barrier to someone wanting to learn a new language. These differences can also seem bigger and more daunting the longer we have been speaking our own native tongue.

Does this mean it can sometimes be too late to learn a new language? Certainly not.

 

Learning a New Language is an Adventure

This threat of the ‘new’ can simply be a matter of perception. If we take these challenges and frustrations and treat them not as a threat but as a fun and interesting adventure, it can make the process of learning a language as stimulating as playing a sport.

We may not be perfect, but the trying is enjoyable in itself. We might hit the ball into the net a few times, but we can still enjoy playing the game. After a bit of practice, we might even find ourselves serving an ace!

 

Access to materials need not be a problem either. There are lots of free language learning resources available online, including books and podcasts. There are also plenty of universities and colleges offering language courses in the evenings.

Using multimedia in the classroom is much more common now too for increased study options. There are many opportunities for older people to embrace learning a new language as they might embrace learning a new craft or sport, proving that it is never too late to learn a language.

 

Why Older People Make Better Language Students

‘Old dogs’ can in fact be stellar students. There are lots of ways in which older people can make better language learners than young people. When they do start taking lessons, older people often tend to have a greater motivation for learning a language.

Indeed, a student at school is learning often to simply pass an exam, whereas an older adult will usually be learning simply for pleasure or for other reasons such as travel or for improved communication with a loved one.

Learning a new language is also great exercise for the mind, with proven evidence that learning languages can help to keep the brain limber in old age. This is yet another reason why it is never too late to learn a language. In fact, there is more reason than ever to continue learning as we get older.

 

Don’t Be Afraid of Mistakes 

The most important thing for an older person to remember when learning a language is not to be afraid of making mistakes. This is how we learn. Young people are not so embarrassed about their mistakes but for an older person, mistakes can seem more daunting.

This is because an older person may be more accomplished and used to being respected in their profession, in total control of their life and with a solid set of proven abilities. To suddenly be making mistakes left, right and centre can feel shameful or inappropriate.

However, languages are all about communication. Making mistakes when learning is totally natural. In fact, don’t think of them as mistakes, they are just ‘communication mishaps’. Laugh them off and carry on.

It is never too late to learn a language. In fact, the grace of age and experience can make an old dog even more subtly accomplished in their new trick than a young whippersnapper ever could be!

Is it ever too late to learn a language?

Are you learning a language as an older person?

What parts of language learning do you think are harder for a person as they get older?

Do you think older people or younger people make better learners?

Can you ever teach an old dog new tricks?