i wanted to know if its harder to learn a new language as one gets older?

Answer 1

NO!!! I'm not only an ESL teacher and a teacher trainer but I'm 54 speak 8 and learning #9 - My dad is 78 and learning #14 - I've had students ranging from 4 to 86 and the 86 year old learned English within 18 months because he wanted to travel and talk to other people. Once you've learned one additional language, the brain gets better at accepting and processing a new "system" - languages are systems made of of grammatical rules, usage rules, vocabulary and pronunciation and any subsequent languages become easier and easier to process and assimilate. What makes it seem more difficult, is the fact that adults, unlike children, believe that they must speak PERFECTLY. Sometimes not even native speakers speak a language perfectly (like a textbook). I used to explain to my students that the ONLY purpose of a language is to communicate with another human being. Or another way - a language is like a car - do you want to beo a driver and have fun or do you want to become a mechanic who doesn't know how to drive. So, Fluency is much more important than Accuracy - however, having said that, it doesn't mean one doesn't have to learn a little grammar, but speaking is still the more important of the two. Another problem for adults is embarassment if they make a mistake (who cares, laugh and continue) - the only "magic" is practice, practice, practice. That's my .02 cent's worth LOL There is a saying "Be careful of your thoughts for they will become your actions" so if you convince yourself that it's hard - it will be hard - it's a pity that so many people still believe this myth and therefore are hindering themselves.

Answer 2

Yes. There is an area in the brain responsible for language acquisition that is altered once the body goes through puberty. After that, it is much harder to learn a second language.

Answer 3

Generally yes. Still, if you put your mind to it you can do most anything. The best way to learn a new language is to immerse yourself in it. Strive to find extended amounts of time where you can focus exclusively on the new language. Eventually you will stop translating each word. Once you find yourself dreaming in the new language you will know you are doing very well.

Answer 4

yes it's a little harder but you will get it down! But you are also more comittet . and it is fun to learn a new language

Answer 5

Based on Personal Experience: I am finding out arabic language, yeah it's difficult language , of direction cuz the letters are special from english, french, spanish, and so forth.. , however i am taking on-line categories in "arabicollege" , yeah it is vitally first-class revel in beside i received to grasp the tradition of the complete arab international beside the language, and that i nonetheless have plenty to be trained , i suppose like i've this gigantic interest to make a giant development on this language, even though i begin finding out it to have a few a laugh. all of the high-quality

Answer 6

absolutely, infact there is a "window" for your tongue being able to make certain sounds and I think the best age for learning multiple languages is about 3-4 ??? check child dev. books