Why you’re never too old to learn a language
Have you ever thought about learning a new language but wondered whether you're too old to start?
Perhaps you studied French, Spanish or German at school and remember very little of it. Or you may have thought about learning a language but assumed that children have an advantage.
But the good news is that it's never too late to learn a language.
Age can influence how we learn, particularly when it comes to pronunciation and the speed at which we absorb new information. But adults have plenty of advantages too! That includes life experience, motivation and the ability to understand how language works.
And, increasingly, researchers are exploring what happens when older adults take up language learning later in life.
Are children better at learning languages?
Children do have some advantages. Having developing brains means they are highly adaptable. And younger learners can be good at absorbing pronunciation and accents naturally.
But that doesn't mean adults can't become excellent language learners.
Adults bring something different to the classroom. You already understand how communication works. You can recognise patterns, make connections between words and understand grammar concepts that may be difficult for a young child to grasp.
You also have something incredibly important: motivation.
Perhaps you're learning Spanish because you love travelling to Spain, for example. Or you may want to improve your career prospects or simply achieve something you've always wanted to do.
That reason for learning can be a powerful advantage.
What research says about adults learning a language
There is growing interest in whether learning another language can provide benefits beyond simply being able to communicate.
A 2019 randomised controlled study published in the Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research looked at older adults taking part in six months of foreign-language training. Participants were assigned to foreign-language learning, games or music appreciation groups.
The researchers found that the foreign-language and games groups showed improvements in overall cognitive abilities, with those improvements maintained three months after the training ended. The authors described the findings as preliminary evidence for cognitive benefits from foreign-language learning in older adults.
That's certainly encouraging.
However, the scientific picture isn't completely straightforward.
A 2021 review examined nine intervention studies investigating whether second-language learning could improve cognition or promote neuroplasticity in older adults. The researchers found that the results were inconsistent, although they tended to suggest possible improvements in areas including attention switching, inhibition and working memory. They concluded that language learning was a promising area for further research.
But what the research does tell us is that older adults are capable of learning a new language, and there is promising evidence that language learning can provide cognitive benefits for some people.
And that's not the only reason to learn.
You're never too old to learn a language
One of the biggest misconceptions about language learning is that there is a cut-off point. There isn't.
You may not learn a new language in the same way at 40 as you would when you were 10, but that doesn't mean you can't make significant progress.
In fact, learning a language later in life can be hugely rewarding.
It gives you a new skill, introduces you to another culture and provides a sense of achievement every time you understand something that once seemed completely unfamiliar.
And remember that fluency isn't an all-or-nothing concept.
You don't need to sound like a native speaker to benefit from speaking another language.
Being able to hold a conversation, order food, ask for directions, understand a film or communicate with colleagues can all be valuable achievements.
Can you learn a language after 40, 50 or 60?
Your age doesn't prevent you from learning a language. You may find that memorising vocabulary takes more repetition than it did when you were younger. You might also need more time to become comfortable with pronunciation or grammar.
But older learners bring valuable experience to the process.
You know how you learn best. You understand how to solve problems. You can recognise connections between concepts. And you may have a much clearer idea of why you want to learn.
These things matter.
A person learning French at 55 because they're planning to spend more time in France has a very different motivation from a child learning French because it's on the school timetable.
Motivation can make a huge difference.
Does age affect how quickly you learn?
It can – but language learning isn't a race.
You may need to repeat vocabulary more often or spend more time practising certain aspects of a language. That doesn't mean you're incapable of learning – it simply means that finding the right approach is important.
Regular practice is usually far more useful than trying to learn hundreds of words in one sitting and then not practising for another month.
The goal isn't to learn as quickly as possible, it is to keep learning.
Why is learning a language so rewarding?
There are plenty of reasons to learn a foreign language at any age.
Travel
Knowing even a few phrases in the local language can transform your experience when travelling.
Being able to order food, ask for directions or have a simple conversation can help you feel more confident and connected to the place you're visiting.
Career development
Language skills can also be valuable professionally.
Many businesses work with international customers, suppliers and colleagues. Being able to communicate in another language can help you stand out and may open doors to new opportunities.
Meeting people
Language gives you another way to connect with people.
Learning someone's language – even just a few words – can demonstrate interest in their culture and make conversations more enjoyable.
Personal achievement
Sometimes the best reason to learn a language is simply because you've always wanted to.
Learning something completely new can be challenging, rewarding and enjoyable.
Don't let the fear of making mistakes hold you back
Perhaps the biggest obstacle for adult language learners isn't age at all. It's confidence.
Adults can be very self-conscious about making mistakes. We worry about getting the pronunciation wrong, forgetting a word or saying something embarrassing.
Children tend to be much less concerned.
They have a go. That's something adult learners can learn from.
Making mistakes isn't evidence that you're bad at languages. It's evidence that you're learning.
Every conversation gives you another opportunity to practise.
How can you make learning a language easier?
The most successful language learners aren't necessarily the people who have the most spare time. They're often the people who make language learning part of their everyday lives.
Try listening to a podcast while travelling to work. Watch a television programme in your chosen language. Read a short article. Learn a few new words each day.
And, most importantly, speak.
The more regularly you use a language, the more natural it becomes.
A structured language course can also provide something that's difficult to achieve alone: regular opportunities to practise speaking, ask questions, receive feedback and learn alongside other people.
You don't have to become fluent to benefit
Another reason people put off learning a language is the belief that they need to become fluent for it to be worthwhile.
That's simply not true.
Being able to introduce yourself, hold a basic conversation, understand a menu or ask for directions can make a real difference when travelling.
Being able to communicate with a customer or colleague in their native language can also be professionally valuable.
Every new word is progress; every conversation builds confidence; and every mistake is another opportunity to learn.
So, what is the best age to learn a language?
The simple answer is whatever age you are now! Whatever your reason, age shouldn't be the thing that stops you.
So, if you've been asking yourself, "Am I too old to learn a language?", perhaps it's time to ask a different question:
"Which language would I like to learn?"
Because whether you're 18, 38, 58 or 78, you can start learning today.
And you might be surprised by just how much you can achieve.
Ready to start learning?
Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to improve a language you've previously studied, the right support can help you build confidence, practise speaking and make steady progress. Check out our online and in-person language lessons. From Mandarin to French and Italian, we have a range of languages for any age.