Learning a new language as an adult can seem daunting. Many people wonder if they’ve missed the window of opportunity to become fluent in another tongue. The good news is that while children generally pick up languages more easily, adults can still achieve fluency with the right strategies and commitment.
How Long Does It Take To Become Fluent?
The time it takes to become fluent depends on several factors:
- Your age. Children generally learn languages faster than adults.
- Similarity between your native language and the new language. Closely related languages are easier.
- Difficulty of the language. Languages like Spanish are easier for English speakers to pick up than something like Mandarin Chinese.
- Your motivation and commitment. Dedicated practice is key.
- Opportunities to use the language. Immersion accelerates the learning process.
- Your language learning aptitude. Some people have a knack for languages.
For adults, it typically takes around 2 years of dedicated study and practice to become conversational in a language. Fluency can take significantly longer depending on the difficulty of the language – estimates range from 5-7 years for fluency in something like Spanish or French up to 10 years for Asian languages like Chinese or Japanese.
However, achieving an advanced level of proficiency is not out of reach as an adult. With commitment and smart study techniques, it’s possible to become very fluent.
Adult Language Learning Tips
Here are some tips for successfully learning a new language as an adult:
Take Advantage of Immersion Opportunities
Immersing yourself in the language as much as possible speeds proficiency. Options include study abroad programs, foreign exchange student hosting, travel to countries where the language is spoken, dating a native speaker, volunteering in ethnic communities or foreign language meetups in your area.
Use Spaced Repetition Flashcards
Flashcard apps like Anki exploit the spacing effect – spreading out review over time dramatically improves memorization. Prioritize learning common words and phrases.
Watch TV and Movies in the Language
After you gain a basic vocabulary foundation, watch media in the language with subtitles to pick up pronunciation, vocab and grammar in context. Children’s shows work well to start.
Listen to Podcasts and Music in the Language
Surround yourself with comprehensible input from native speakers by loading your phone with foreign language podcasts and music, listening during commutes or while exercising.
Practice Reading Easy Books
Buy children’s books and comic books in the language and work your way up to full novels. Extensive reading is key for progress.
Use Apps and Online Courses
High quality programs like Pimsleur, Babbel, Rosetta Stone or Italki offer affordable, flexible learning. Combine with other strategies.
Find Language Partners and Tutors
Practice conversing by finding language exchange partners, tutors or chat partners through services like Conversation Exchange, HiNative or iTalki.
Think in the Language
Instead of translating in your head, challenge yourself to think, read and speak without relying on your native language as a crutch.
Study Consistently
Aim for at least 30 minutes of practice per day. Consistency over the long-term leads to fluency.
The Critical Period Hypothesis
Why is language learning easier for children? Many linguists point to the “critical period hypothesis.” This theory states that there is a critical period in childhood when language acquisition happens more easily, similar to developmental milestones like walking.
The ability to absorb language declines after this critical period ends around puberty. The brain becomes less plastic and loses its language-learning sponge-like capacity. Adults must rely more on explicit grammar instruction and structured learning techniques.
However, the critical period hypothesis does not mean adults cannot learn languages. While children gain some advantage during this window, adults can still become fluent and proficient, especially with commitment and techniques to get around our stagnating plasticity. Immersion is especially important for adults.
The Benefits of Bilingualism
Why put in the effort to learn a new language? Beyond just enabling communication, research shows bilingualism offers many benefits:
- Enhanced multitasking skills. Juggling languages improves ability to switch between tasks.
- Better problem solving. Bilinguals tend to think more creatively and flexibly.
- Delayed cognitive decline. Speaking two languages helps fend off dementia and Alzheimer’s.
- Memory boost. Language learning strengthens memory retention and recall.
- Improved concentration. Processing multiple languages enhances focus and attention.
- Protection against age-related brain volume loss. Bilingual brains maintain more youthful plasticity.
Bilingualism makes us smarter and more mentally agile. It’s a workout for our brains!
Myths About Language Learning
False beliefs about language learning can become self-limiting. Here are some common myths:
Myth: Children learn languages faster than adults.
Reality: Children do learn languages more easily but adults can achieve fluency through dedication.
Myth: You need to live abroad to really learn a language.
Reality: Immersion accelerates learning but fluency is possible without overseas residence.
Myth: Learning grammar explicitly is essential.
Reality: Implicit learning through input works too. Explicit and implicit methods are complementary.
Myth: You need to start young.
Reality: While starting younger has advantages, adults can still become fluent.
Myth: Some people don’t have the language learning gene.
Reality: Anyone can learn a language with motivation and persistence.
Myth: You need to be talented with languages.
Reality: Language learning is a skill requiring practice. Talent helps but isn’t essential.
Don’t let these myths discourage you! With effort and practice, language learning success is achievable at any age.
Setting Realistic Expectations
To avoid frustration, it’s important to set realistic expectations around language learning timelines. Fluency takes years of dedication. Avoid goals focused on perfection or sounding like a native speaker. Instead aim for continuous progress through daily practice. Celebrate small wins and milestones. Measure your progress against past you, not others. With regular practice, fluency will come over time.
Here are some realistic language learning goals:
- 30 minutes of practice per day
- Learning 5 new words per day
- Finishing one Pimsleur or Duolingo lesson daily
- Reading one children’s book per week
- Having a 5 minute conversation once a week
- Listening to a podcast episode 3 times per week
Maintaining Multiple Languages
Once you achieve fluency, consistent practice is essential to maintain your skills. Luckily, languages reinforce each other – the more you learn, the easier additional languages become thanks to transferable foundational knowledge.
Here are some tips for maintaining multiple languages:
- Alternate practice between languages instead of cramming one at a time.
- Find ways to regularly use your languages – reading books and news, social media, TV shows, talking to yourself!
- Travel regularly to countries where your target languages are spoken.
- Join conversation groups and online communities for each language.
- Follow a “one parent, one language” approach if you have a multilingual family.
- Make friends who speak your target languages.
With regular use, your languages will reinforce each other and become a fun part of your life and identity.
Conclusion
While children learn languages easily during critical periods, adults can still achieve fluency through dedication and smart study techniques. Surrounding yourself with the language through varied input like media, books, podcasts and conversation makes a huge difference. With immersion, repetition, persistence and realistic expectations, language fluency is achievable at any age.