It’s often been said that learning a foreign language as a child has the greatest chance of success. But what if you want to start later? Here are five tips for older language learners.
1. Start Simple with Memrise and Duolingo – two great language learning apps
Memrise and Duolingo are online learning platforms that make use of the spaced repetition technique to help learners memorize vocabulary words.
Memrise is an app that uses gamification techniques such as points, levels, and badges to encourage users to keep studying. It offers different ways of remembering new words including the traditional flashcard method, a word ladder (a sequence of words with increasing difficulty), the memorize deck (a list of vocab with a randomized order), and the distraction free study environment.
Duolingo is a language learning platform that claims to be “the most popular way to learn languages in the world.” It provides courses for over 29 languages including Spanish, Russian, Portuguese, French and more.
2. Practice a Foreign Language by Talking to People from the Country
Whether you’re travelling abroad or meeting target country residents locally, it’s best to be able to speak the language. This will not only help you have better conversations with locals, but it’ll make you feel more comfortable with your language learning progress. The best way to learn a foreign language is by talking with other speakers and learners.
The key is to take it slow and easy when you’re talking with them. You don’t want to come across as too confident by speaking too fast or being too polite by over-using “please”. This is not the time to expect perfection in foreign language learning – instead, try getting more comfortable with the accent and tone of voice.
3. Talk to Yourself in the Mirror
Talking to yourself in the mirror is one of the best ways to improve your self-image and mental well-being. As it happens, it’s also a pretty good way to improve your foreign language skills and confidence!
The practice of talking to oneself in a mirror has been around for decades, but it’s now resurfacing as a powerful tool for mental health. Psychologists say that this technique can help with self-esteem, body image, and even with the symptoms of depression.
This technique is often used by celebrities before they go on stage or do interviews so they can put themselves in their own shoes and think about what they need to say and do. It’s also used by people who are dealing with chronic illnesses, because it can help them maintain a positive attitude. With credentials like that, it stands to reason that language learners can benefit. I’ve personally found this technique useful when preparing for my German language exams.
4. Take it Slow and Steady – No Pressure, No Competition but Yourself!
Young foreign language learners may find it exciting, or necessary, to compete – when it comes to speed, or the number of languages spoken, or test scores. But does it also apply to older language learners? I think that sometimes, it’s time to take a step back and evaluate where you are in your life. You should be focusing on yourself, your needs, and what makes you happy.
This bit of advice is about how we as learners should focus on ourselves instead of comparing ourselves to others. We are all different people with different skillsets and that’s the beauty of humanity. From an individualist perspective, there’s no need to compare yourself to others because that just isn’t relevant in a multilingual community. Every word you learn and master is yours, and it’s to be treasured.
5. Find a Partner to Practice With
A foreign language learning partner is a person who will help you keep track of your progress. They will also be the one to give you feedback on how well you are progressing. You should find a partner who is an equally keen learner or teacher, who has a great grasp on their grammar, and someone who is willing to give you feedback.
If the writer is not willing to give feedback then it will be hard for them to help you progress in your abilities. The practice partner should be someone who cares about your work and wants to help you improve. Of course, you may be expected to reciprocate. Foreign language exchange is still a popular thing – you become a learner and a teacher of a foreign language, all at once!
Wiktor (Vic) Kostrzewski (MA, DELTA) is an author, translator, editor and project manage based in London. When he works, he thinks about languages, education, books, EdTech and teachers. When he doesn’t work, he probably trains for his next triathlon or drinks his next coffee.
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