5 questions for a language learner in later life #11

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

Gemma is an English speaker who came across a language kit for learning French while browsing in her local library.

How do you feel about learning French?
French at school was a lot of fun and now I’m curious to see what I still know from over 30 years ago.
What’s the hardest thing about learning French?
At school it was learning verb endings. I remember one time before a test we wrote all the verbs on the ceiling and every time we were stuck, we’d lean back in our chairs and look up to find the right endings.
How do you overcome this now?
Talking with Christina made me realise I don’t have to worry about how to spell all the verb endings but just how to say them. And they often sound the same, so it’s not a big issue. Rather I can focus on refreshing and learning vocabulary, which I really enjoy.
What are your goals?
To see what comes back from the past and to see what progress I can make now. Maybe learning French could be a new hobby for me.
What’s your advice for older people who want to learn a language?
Be curious. Figure out what you need to know and what isn’t so important. Make a loose plan and then go for it.

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

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