5 questions for a language learner in later life #18

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

Martha is a German retiree who never had the time or opportunity at school/work to learn English.

How do you feel about learning English?
I feel left behind because there is so much English around now in Germany. I recently moved to the west to be closer to my daughter and her family and here older people all know some English. So I want to catch up with the others. English is also good for travel.
What’s the hardest thing about learning English?
Of course it’s remembering the words! My memory is not so sharp as it used to be and my hearing is not so good either. But my new hearing aids make it easier to understand.
How do you overcome this now?
My grandson put an app on my phone and showed me how to use it every day to learn new phrases. When he comes to visit I practise with him. He’s very patient with me.
What are your goals?
I want to understand the English signs I see everywhere and the English words people now use when talking German. And I want to know some basic phrases to use in cafes and shops when I go on day trips to neighbouring countries with my new friends.
What’s your advice for older people who want to learn a language?
Repeat, repeat, repeat so you understand and remember. I use the app every day because I want to make progress and I want to make my grandson happy that he has helped me.

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.