How to Learn a New Language as a Child or an Adult

Learning a language does not have a fixed process. It varies based on understanding or proficiency level, age and time. Not everyone has the same understanding of the language, the same expectations from the learning or the same level of proficiency. So in this article, we are going to jot down a few tips on how a child and an adult can learn a language.

Let’s start with kids.

We are always very careful about the future of children. Each step that we take is tailored to the betterment of the children. But when it comes to language studies, at times people go with the mindset that it is an unnecessary addition to the curriculum. People devalue language studies over other main subjects. However, studies have proved that language learning is a necessary part of the curriculum, especially for kids. It has many benefits, including the betterment of personal and professional relationships.

However learning a language requires a different approach for kids. To make the learning process interesting, the teachers or parents need to be creative. No doubt language learning is not easy. However, there is no limit to expanding the creativity level to make the learning interesting. So here are a few ways in which children can learn language.

1. Listening exercises

The first skill that children learn is listening. So this skill is the most handy and most developed among children. So while learning a foreign language, listening exercises are the most important for kids. They must listen to podcasts, and music or watch movies in the target language. They must not just listen but also pay attention to the words, tonality and grammar structure. They must make a notebook of words and grammar and keep noting down the difficult parts they come across while doing the listening exercises.

2. Focus on both languages

Children have to learn two languages simultaneously- the primary and the secondary language. So it might become taxing and confusing. But as parents or teachers, you need to help them mark a boundary and focus on both equally. Encourage your kids to sing, speak, read and play in both languages. Plan separate time to dedicate to the learning of both the languages.

3. Stages of learning

If your kid is a toddler, there are stages of learning when it comes to language learning. Your kid will first learn sounds, then words and then they will learn how to form sentences. Speaking is the last stage because it requires clarity and the basic speaking ability which the kids are still developing.

4. Both class and home learning required

When kids are learning a language, both classroom learning and home learning are necessary. In classrooms, kids can try to connect and communicate with other kids who are learning a language too. This plays the role of the smaller version of adult communication with native speakers. While at home, kids can immerse themselves in the language by practising it with their family members and infusing it into daily life.

Now let’s jump into the category of adults. Here are a few ways in which adults can creep into language learning.

1. Jot down your motivation

Next, you need to find the motivation behind learning a language. Do you want to learn a language for career growth? Do you want to learn a language for personality development? Or do you want to learn so that you can communicate with your loved ones? Whatever it may be, just remind yourself of the motive and motivation behind learning.

2. Find your learning style

Language learning is not like other conventional learning. It is dynamic as it allows you various ways of learning. So if you are someone who is interested in visual learning, you can select an app that teaches using movies and other visuals. Or if you are the one who likes reading, you can choose an app as per that. Moreover, not all of us pursue language learning as a full-time course. Most of us pursue it along with our regular education or job. So choose an app that suits your timing and schedule and teaches you the language in a short span but in an effective way.

3. Try to speak

There is no best time to start practising a language. As soon as you start learning, try to practice the words you learn in your conversations. Connect with native speakers after getting a little better at it. Let them point out your mistakes and try to work on them.

4. Watch movies, listen to music and read books

As a newbie, learning a new language can seem a little difficult. But you can ease the process by adding some spice of entertainment. Read, watch or listen to content in your target language. This will not only help you learn but also make you enjoy the process.

5. Include language learning in your daily activity

The best way to learn a language is to immerse yourself in it. To do that, change everything that you consume into the likes of the target language. You can change the language settings of your devices, cook the food eaten in the foreign country, follow the cultures of the foreign country and many more.

The main difference between kids and adults when it comes to language learning is proficiency and understanding level. While kids are beginners in every sense, adults have pre-conceived ideas about learning or the language through their life experiences and education. So plan out different ways to make learning interesting for both kids and adults. We hope these tips help you. All the best!