5 questions for a language learner in later life #14

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

Bettina is a German artisan who’s been reluctant about learning English but has decided it’s time to just get on with it.

How do you feel about learning English?
I know I need to learn more English as there’s now so much English in everyday life in Germany, especially in advertising and on social media.
What’s the hardest thing about learning English?
I don’t feel confident as we didn’t have much English at school and it was a long time ago. My husband speaks good English so when we travel, he talks for us.
How do you overcome this now?
I read the headlines on English news sites. When I see something interesting, I try to understand the main ideas and then check using a translator app. Sometimes I surprise myself what I can understand.
What are your goals?
I want to read the news in English and perhaps one day use English on my Instagram.
What’s your advice for older people who want to learn a language?
You need to do it to keep up. Find something that interests you to start learning.

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

Learning on your own doesn’t mean learning alone.

I can help you set up and stick to your DIY language project.