Is it really difficult for adults to learn to speak/read another language?

Question

I would like to learn to speak another language, but have been told its very difficult for adults. Is this true?

Answer 1

Wasn't for me. It was actually easier. I tried to learn Spanish in HS; it was a requirement. I wasn't that into it. But later in life, in my late 30s I WANTED to learn Spanish so I started all over again and it made sense that time. I'm now fairly fluent.

You won't know until you try. Go on, give it a try.

Answer 2

When I came to U.S. 6 years ago, I couldn't speak a word of English. But after a year I started to read in English and understand a little also, writing was not that difficult either. The hardest part for me was speaking because I lived in big community from my country. After several years everything except speaking was on a pretty good level. The reason was I did not socialize with English speakers, even though I graduated from Universityat that time.
I started speaking rather well when I moved to another city and spoke strictly English.
My parents though, even they lived in U.S. for 8 years still don't speak it.
I think that Spanish is not that difficult to learn for Americans because it's has a lot of similarities. Try to learn totally different type with different alphabet, it wouldn't be as easy.
In my opinion the best way to learn a language is to live in the country for a while and speak only that language with native speakers.

Answer 3

There is a certain degree of difficulty of course. And speak/read are only 2 of 4 aspects of a language you may be wanting to learn, listening/writing are the other 2.
What really makes it easier or harder are among other things the amount of time you can dedicate yourself to it and the use of it you need to / can make.
If you are really interested, start today and plan on using it ( Internet, phone conversations, magazines, newspapers, movies, and a possible trip to a country where it is spoken as native language)
If its Brazilian Portuguese, count on me!
Good luck with it, try to enjoy it!

Answer 4

I think it would be cause at a young age, your taught everything about whatever language your speaking. Adults learning a new language usually gets in the mindset that they will learn everything in a day and give up when they can't figure something out.

~El-Matto

Answer 5

Yes, it's totally true. I know these foreign people who have been here in the US for over 10 years and haven't picked up english correctly yet. That's why it is better for people to learn multiple languages at a young age. Their brain sucks up the information easier.

Answer 6

Depends on the individual and type of training. Military personnel often need to learn new languages, as do many first responders.

Answer 7

Not true. I have learned two additional languages after becoming an adult.

We often hear that it's hard because it takes adults longer than children...and, it takes adults longer because, frankly, we have more things to do than children do.

Answer 8

it's easier for kids than adults. however, it depends on your motivation, what language, the amount of time and energy you devote to it, etc. if you want to learn it, go for it, girl!

Answer 9

yes its difficult at first but when u really wont to do something you fly all the way through without any problems

Answer 10

NOT REALLY AS LONG AS YOU PUT YOUR MIND TO IT , I WENT TO SCHOOL TO LEARN ITALIAN , FOR 20 WEEKS 2 NIGHTS A WEEK , NOT A PROBLEM