#1. Is it too late to learn a language?

Updated: Aug 28, 2023

Although adult learners rarely ask me if it's too late for them to learn a language, the question is always at the back of their mind. They believe that the older they get, the less likely they are to learn a language, especially if it wasn’t a strong subject at school.

As I always tell my students, motivation is the key. If you want to acquire a new language to take an active part in meetings, write articles, change jobs, discover a new culture, or move abroad, you will. Many of my students are in their late fifties, early sixties.

To sustain your motivation, you need three things: a clear sense of direction, a structure, and the right tools.

The wonderful thing about teaching adult learners, is that I get to explain the learning process and help them build a learning plan around their weekly lessons, so they actively practise listening, speaking, reading, and writing on a weekly basis, as opposed to ‘doing their homework’ right before the lesson.

The more they adapt language learning to their life and tastes, the quicker the progress and the more enjoyable the process is.

You’re never too old to unlearn passive learning habits from school, take charge, and learn a new language.