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5 questions for a language learner in later life

What do people say about learning a language when they’re older?

The last time Lisa studied German was when she was a student over thirty years ago.

Now her youngest child has left for university and Lisa has some time to spend on her own interests.

One of her ambitions is to “revive” her German from all those years ago.

  1. How do you feel about learning German?
    I loved learning German at school and uni. I’m curious to see what I can still understand and say and how much better I can get in a few months. I want to challenge myself.

  2. What’s the hardest thing about learning German?
    I always had several classes a week and a teacher to tell me what to learn and to explain things. So I’m wondering how I can do it on my own. I know there’s so much information online but where to start and what’s best?

  3. How do you overcome this?
    I decided to work with someone who can not only help me with the language but also guide me in learning on my own, helping me find fun things to do to make sure I’ll stay motivated and make progress.

  4. What are your goals?
    My youngest started German at uni this year and I want to surprise her and talk in German with her when she comes home for Christmas.

  5. What’s your advice for older people who want to learn a language?
    Of course you can do it. It may be a bit harder and take a bit longer at our age, that’s all. To stay motivated and make progress, it’s easier to work with a coach.

Read more about learning a language in later life here and here.

Don’t know how to start brushing up or picking up a language? Email me and I can help.

© Christina Wielgolawski