For one, language learning is ideal for career advancement and professional development. It’s also helpful for worldwide business ventures and travel opportunities. Ultimately, it’s beneficial for their own personal growth.
However, learning a language other than their mother tongue is quite challenging for older people. Why? They aren’t kids like sponges who can easily and quickly absorb new things or information.
So, as an adult, how do you make language learning much simpler, faster, and easier? Keep reading to learn how.
How To Make Language Learning Easier as an Adult
Did you know? The language market shows no signs of slowing down, with its global market expanding at a 20% compound annual growth rate (CAGR). This means that more and more people are looking to learn a new language or two.
It’s no secret that English is the most studied language worldwide. However, a recent survey shows that English, Spanish, Korean, French, and Japanese are the most learned second languages in the United States. Language learning has become prevalent in the advent of globalization.
About 90% of people claim that learning a second language is essential. In fact, 70% of those who didn’t learn a second language regret not doing so. Over 20% have missed a career opportunity, while 58% haven’t been able to communicate with someone speaking a different language.
The abovementioned surveys focus on language learning for adults. Those aged 16 to 24 are deemed the most multilingual, where a third speak more than two languages. However, many argue that language learning can be difficult for older people due to the following factors:
Reduced neural plasticity—hard to absorb new languages naturally
Pronunciation difficulty—used to native language’s phonetic patterns
Language apprehension—fear of committing mistakes
Time constraint—preoccupied with work and life
Lack of exposure—not exposed to social media and digital platforms
Language learning requires utmost dedication, hard work, and resilience among older people. However, we can make it a lot easier, simpler, and faster for them. Let’s cut to the chase—here are language-learning hacks for adults:
1. Start with realistic goals
Learning a second language begins with asking: What’s your goal? Are you working with global stakeholders, relocating to a new country, or pursuing a travel? As an adult, establishing realistic goals will make it easier for you to achieve success in language learning.
Michael Nemeroff, Co-founder & CEO at RushOrderTees, suggests setting SMART goals for language learning. “Learning a language as an adult starts with setting clear and realistic goals.”
Nemeroff explains, “When your goals are specific and tied to your bigger plans, staying on course is easier. Think about what you’re aiming for and break it into achievable steps—A smart goal is key!”
Suppose you plan to get an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) program to work abroad as a nurse. In that case, your SMART goal is to:
Pass IELTS with a 7.0+ score in six months to qualify as a nurse abroad.
Specific: Achieve the required IELTS score for nursing jobs overseas.
Measurable: Complete weekly practice tests and 10 hours of study.
Achievable: Attend classes, use IELTS resources, and practice speaking.
Relevant: IELTS is mandatory for nursing careers abroad.
Time-based: Take the exam within six months.
2. Enroll in formal language training
When it comes to language learning, you have two options: informal or formal training. Sure, you can self-study or practice a new language with your peers and colleagues. However, nothing beats undergoing formal training to earn proper certification and language proficiency. It makes everything a lot easier for you as an adult!
Tom Golubovich, Head of Marketing & Media Relations at Ninja Transfers, recommends a formal language training program. “Formal language training is a surefire way to level up your skills.”
Golubovich continues, “Whether it’s an online course or an in-person class, these options give you structure and make learning smoother. Plus, earning a certification adds serious weight to your language game.”
Golubovich shares two online and offline options:
Online language courses: The web is a goldmine of language courses—name it, and the Internet has it! Some language courses are offered for free, while a few others are paid. Udemy, Coursera, and edX are some of the best platforms for online learning.
Language training classes: Formal classes in a classroom setting can help you learn words or phrases the right way. They are more structured and optimized for effective language learning. Just visit the nearest language centers or educational institutions and see if they offer precisely what you need.
3. Practice the language with others
They say that practice makes perfect—and this essentially applies to language learning. In fact, learning another language boosts your brain power. So, what better way to understand one than to use it with others in the proper context? It will make the whole learning process more seamless.
As an adult, here’s how:
Mentors and colleagues: They are the best people to speak with using the second language. Whether attending a language class or taking an online course, take time to interact with them. Make the most of it!
Family and friends: It’s also a great idea to practice the language offline or outside the four walls of your classroom. Seek support from your immediate family members and circle of friends. Engage with them using the language!
Take it from Murtaza Oklu, Owner of OMO Transfer. They invest in language learning since they cater to global clients. However, he believes engaging with peers and colleagues is the best way to learn the language.
Oklu shares, “Language learning is all about connection—practice it with those around you to make it stick. Chat with mentors, colleagues, or even friends and family to sharpen your skills naturally. Real conversations in real contexts are what turn learning into fluency.”
4. Balance speaking and listening
Language learning isn’t all about constant practice by speaking the language. It’s also about striking a balance between speaking and listening, which is one way to make the learning process more efficient and effective.
Learn from Rodger Desai, CEO of Prove. He has his fair share of working with global B2B clients. However, he learns a new language a lot better through active listening.
Desai argues, “Active listening lets you absorb the nuances and flow of the language while speaking helps solidify your pronunciation and vocabulary. It’s this combo that makes learning truly stick.”
That said, take note of the following:
Constant practice: Speaking a second language lets you express yourself with proper pronunciation, correct vocabulary, and the right context. Regular practice is indeed the best way to develop and acquire the language—consistency is key!
Active listening: This listening tactic is critical to the overall learning equation. It allows you to learn from others—what words or phrases they use and how they express their thoughts and feelings. You’ll surely learn to speak the language in the proper context!
5. Leverage digital technologies
There’s no ignoring the power of digital technology. It makes the language learning process much easier. Take the Internet, for instance—our go-to resource for searching pieces of information and learning from them.
As an adult, take advantage of the following modern technologies for language learning:
Communications technologies: Think of Zoom, Skype, Slack, Google Meetup, and Microsoft Team, making online courses plausible. With one of these in place, you can virtually learn a language with a mentor in the comfort of your own home.
Language tools: Consider language learning apps designed for learning languages. Statista cites the leading language learning apps worldwide, such as the mobile-first and highly gamified Duolingo and the South Korean language learning app Cake.
Online platforms: It’s a good idea to join social media groups, online forums, and discord channels for language learning. It lets you engage with level-headed individuals looking to learn a language or two. You’d be learning from each other!
Nick Esposito, Founder of NYCServers, emphasizes the power of digital technology for language learning. He suggests using digital tools and communications technologies to learn a second language.
Esposito explains, “Digital tools are a game-changer in language learning. These technologies make learning flexible and accessible. Use them to connect with mentors, practice in real time, and engage with a global community—all from your phone or laptop.”
6. Track your language progress
Tracking your progress is crucial for making your language learning smooth and seamless. Performance monitoring allows you to identify your areas for improvement. That way, you can adjust your learning tactics as needed.
Gary Hemming, Owner & Finance Director at ABC Finance emphasizes the need for performance tracking of language learning. He believes that language learning is a marathon—not a sprint.
Hemming says, “Tracking your progress is essential for staying on track. Set clear goals, measure your improvement, and adjust when needed. It’s all about steady progress in the long run.”
Hemming recommends the key steps below:
Set key metrics. Start by defining your key performance indicators (KPIs) for language learning. KPIs include vocabulary acquisition, listening comprehension, speaking fluency, and writing accuracy.
Measure performance. Now, it’s time to track your performance. Measure the progress of your language learning against the set KPIs. Better yet, take required exams and review your language proficiency test scores.
Optimize learning. Lastly, make the necessary adjustments if you think you’re not improving. Your language proficiency score will tell you if you need to work harder or adjust your learning strategies.
7. Stay committed, motivated, and patient
To achieve proficiency, it takes resilience in language learning. You might have all the resources, whether online courses, language trainers, or digital tools. However, the determination to succeed comes from no other than—you.
That said, here are the key attributes you need for language learning:
Commitment: You must commit to developing and acquiring language skills. Are you going to attend your language training classes regularly? Are you going to practice using the second language consistently?
Motivation: This should come from within you by envisioning and manifesting yourself as a language-proficient speaker or writer. However, you can also get all the support from your mentor, colleagues, family, and friends.
Patience: Learning a second language doesn’t happen overnight—it takes time. It requires your willingness to learn and hard work. By being patient, you’ll be surprised at how proficient you’ve become one day!
Reyansh Mestry, Head of Marketing at TopSource Worldwide highlights the value of commitment, motivation, and patience in language learning.
Mestry shares, “Language learning is all about persistence—it’s not just about having the tools but the will to stick with it. Stay committed to your practice, keep your motivation high by visualizing your success, and remember that patience is key. Over time, the effort pays off, and you’ll be amazed at how far you’ve come.”
Final Words
Language learning is for everyone—not only for kids but also for adults. It’s best for personal growth and professional development among older people. However, it can be challenging for them due to their age, learning absorption, and preoccupied lives.
As an adult, consider the practical tips above for making language learning simpler, faster, and easier.
Sure, you should set personal goals, enroll in training programs, use digital technologies, and track your progress. However, what better way to learn and acquire a new language than to practice, practice, practice?
Constantly use the language, whether with your mentor, colleagues, family, or friends. Stay committed, motivated, and patient—and that can make a difference in your language proficiency!
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