When you are about to give up and state that you are too old to learn a language, you must think again because you have numerous advantages when you start learning a foreign language. The best news relates to your maturity and ability to perceive information differently through the lens of your experience and a plethora of analytical skills. Approaching a foreign language differently, you can combine it with existing skills as you immerse yourself into a culture that you only know from books and films. In other words, you become a part of a totally new experience where communication skills do not start with complex grammar and spelling but with direct cooperation and sharing hobbies, a cup of tea, or just having fun as you visit foreign yoga classes for seniors! There should be no pushing or pressure of any kind because language learning happens as a natural process where you exchange complete phrases and remember the words, just like delicious recipes or the beautiful sights that you discover!
Language Learning for Seniors: Embracing New Skills and Cultures
Combining Hobbies and Language Learning.
The key to language learning is turning to existing experiences. This way, a senior learner has certain advantages when it comes to remembering linguistic concepts. Since a senior person implements different phrases and uses a greater vocabulary with expressions used in a native language, the learning process becomes more flexible. Of course, if your hobby is to research things and you are using a foreign language and travelling to take notes, things may become confusing! If you need an expert to edit something or complete your thoughts, you can always buy research paper and focus on taking a walk outside or getting your notes sorted to ensure that you choose only the best facts!
Associative Learning Trick.
Another important aspect that senior language learners must remember is associative studies. Since one already has a certain life experience and can compare this and that, it’s easier to perceive grammar and expressions. If you have been dealing with Law studies in the past, you can approach each rule as a court hearing or a case study where you can use relevant analysis. Likewise, if you are that old lady who is the district’s best cook, start with translating foreign recipes!
Travel and Learn.
When you can manage your time differently and have no university studies or full-time employment, you can travel and learn as you discover new things. Start with the basic travel phrases by repeating them in practice and see how the natives try to correct you or provide you with additional phrases. Since you are feeling inspired and hear phrases from the natives, your learning always takes place with a part of a foreign culture. Now, if you need to open a bank account or book a hotel, it’s still safer to use the best human translation services just to be sure that everything has been understood right. When you have a trustworthy interpreter and a translator, you can check things twice and guide your learning when and if necessary!
Start a Multilingual Blog.
Start with a multilingual blog by talking about your travels and the things that you have learned. This way, you can help other senior visitors like you to gain confidence. It’s never too late to become a blogger as you meet new people and share the pros and cons of each endeavour both locally and abroad!
Gaining Some Confidence by Using Technology.
When you are feeling old and do not wish to leave your room to see the world, things can work the other way around. You can still learn a foreign language and communicate with people from all over the world. You can visit one of the safe language learning communities where you can create a profile and find people your age based on their interests, gender, preferences, and location. Think about visiting InterPals for all types of communication with over 5 million users. While this system is mostly meant for learning a foreign language, it has a lot of senior members who are always happy to exchange handwritten letters or talk on Skype by exchanging contacts. Likewise, it’s possible to approach the HelloTalk app that allows you to teach each other free of charge. You can address inner insecurities and find new friends before you choose to travel and see the world!
BIO
Christian Duke is a trained linguist and an avid traveller who seeks helpful methods to make learning fun and inspiring at any age. As an educator with a passion for social sciences, Christian uses innovative solutions and the latest developments as he shares his thoughts. Follow Christian to take your learning to another level and feel young again!
