It’s never too late to learn a language
One can never be too old to learn something new. Gianni Guaita is writing a book, learning English and learning about technology all at the age of 100 years, inspired by his family.
It is scientifically proven that we can learn a language at any age and in fact it is good for our health! Adults and children just learn differently.
1. Overcoming lack of confidence
Attending small classes with people of equal ability will give you a real boost to your confidence as you learn together, make mistakes together, support each other and celebrate mini milestones of success.
2. Flexing those brain muscles
Learning a language will change the structure and the efficiency of the brain at any age, from babies to retirees.
Just like physical exercise keeps us toned and strengthens our muscles and heart, learning something knew forces us to use are brains and as we do the brain will respond, retaining important information and making the process easier as our brain adapts.
3. Joy of learning
The process of learning is always filled with moments of sheer joy. Conquering basic conversations, learning to read a French newspaper and finally being able to turn off the subtitles while watching a movie.
The feeling of pride at your achievement should never be under estimated.
Discovering other cultures
The additional benefit that comes with learning a language is the inevitability of discovering more about the culture.
When you learn Italian your natural curiosity will lead you on a journey to discovering, to fall in love with Italy, the food, the people, the history.
Here are some top tips for learning a foreign language
Learn songs
Listening to music is a great way to learn words, phrases, pick up ascents and immerse yourself in the beautiful language.
Write poems and short stories
Start writing sentences, then paragraphs and put them together to create a short story about yourself.
Writing can help with absorbing the vocabulary and grammar putting sentences together.
Keep a notebook
Keep a notebook with you and at every opportunity write down and test yourself with phrases and words until your know verbs and sentences.
Fun Facts
There are approximately 7,000 different languages worldwide.
The world’s most widely spoken languages:
Mandarin Chinese, English, Spanish, Hindi, Arabic, Bengali, Russian, Portuguese, Japanese, German and French.
Languages hardest to learn: Chinese and Arabic
