Is it Possible to Learn A New Language After 30?

Ellison Claptonreviewed bySana Liashuk / more about Editorial Process8 min
Created: Jul 13, 2022Last updated: Sep 12, 2023
Learn A New Language After 30

Can I learn a new language at 30? If you are on the route to picking up a new (foreign) language to learn, there's every possibility that you will encounter some problems which may cause you to ask questions in the above form. The origin of the problems you may face stems from nowhere else but from your built-up fears.

As a new learner, your fears may likely come from your personal experience or that of an older relative who tried picking up a new language to learn.

Children are seen as fast learners especially when it comes to learning new things. So, as a learner, the fear of you not possessing the required intellect to excel in learning new things may serve as a deterring agent for you.

The goal of this article is to help you rise above every discouragement and fear because you're about to come across some proven tips to help you get back on your learning track again.

Is it ever too late to learn a new language?

The question, 'Why is it harder to learn a language when older?' may be in your thoughts because of the general fact that learning a new language for children always seems easier as it requires little touches of blending or mingling which is very easy for them to do.

Learning in a community of like-minded persons allows room for regular practice which in turn speeds the learning process.

As an adult, you may likely find it difficult to mingle or become a member of a language community. Nevertheless, according to the popular saying; 'Determination is the key to success, your learning process solely depends on you and your age should not deter you. Although it may require more effort and concentration due to your busy schedule, it will actually be worth it.

Can adults learn a new language?

The studying of the human brain by scientists is unending and it takes time in most cases to attain a joint consciousness which is updated.  It was noted by some experts ten years ago that the brain developed once during childhood and it remains the same afterwards and

From the recent research by some other sets of experts, it has been noted that the human brains develop as humans age. The main means to develop the brain capacity is by learning just as you have taken the step of learning a new language.

By studying as an adult, you enforce your neural cells to interact which will make it very easy for you to pick up a new language in a short while. That is, the more the interaction rate among your neural cells, the simpler it will be for you to learn new things.

Based on the above explanation, if the question; 'Can You still learn a language at 30?' pops up at any point in time, you should definitely know what your answer will be.

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Why Learning a New Language in your 30s is the Best Time

Learning a Language in your 30s is an investment in your future

When you become a pro in any language, the skill is yours and you own it for the rest of your life. Can you learn a new language at 30? Yes. Learning a foreign language at an older age is an investment in your career as it will create more windows of job opportunities for you. Persons who are competent in their jobs yet proficient in diverse languages will always have an edge over their counterparts who are likewise competent but speak their native languages alone.

If you are someone who likes to have fun, you'll find picking up a new language a plus during your vacations. There is a distinct enjoyment that is attached to knowing the native language of places you go to for vacation as it helps you to connect with prospective business partners and buyers.

Speaking the native language of a foreigner may open you up to doors of opportunities in the terms of information that may be helpful in your career or business.

All in all, the benefits of learning new languages as regards the improvement in your career is a good reason for you not to give up and see your dreams come to reality.

If you feel like you need to warm up your brain, learning a language may be just what you need.

Some Things Are Actually Easier

Younger students often wait till they are instructed regarding what they should get done before they take any step towards learning. As an older student, you have an edge over the younger ones because of the term ' deliberate studying'. It is easier for you as an adult to stay focused on whatever you intend to do than it is for younger folks.

The older you get the larger your vocabulary is, so chances are that your vocabulary will be as large as a native speaker. As an adult, once you already know quite a number of words, new words can be easily added to your pre-existing knowledge. You also have an edge if you know a foreign language like English asides from your native language because the same principle with which you learnt it will be helpful in learning the new one.

No Time For Regrets

Can you learn a language at any age? Yes. Can you be too old to learn a language? No. Irrespective of your question type, even if you are way beyond 30, you can still chase your dream of learning a new language. Regrets majorly come in at later ages. So, is it possible to learn a new language after 30? Yes, it is. Lastly, at the end of your life, what will matter most is the investment in the activities that you love. If you look forward to learning a new language as an adult in your 30s, consider doing it now is the best for you. Quit procrastinating, the best time is now.

Use Content You Love

Be it English, French, or others, irrespective of the language you're learning, make use of the content you prefer to study or the content that you enjoy using whether you’re learning German, Japanese, or Italian, I recommend reading the content you enjoy rather than strictly studying textbooks and trying to remember the rules. You’re already learning a new language, remembering rules on top of that is going to be…tough. And regardless of how well you try to remember each rule, you’re still going to make mistakes! So why not learn using content you enjoy? The more you read, the more you’ll start to recognize patterns and how the language works.

Do children have an easier time learning new languages?

Do children have an easier time learning new languages?

Children might be blessed with a naturally high degree of neuroplasticity, but that doesn’t mean learning is necessarily easier for them. In fact, adult brains have a number of great qualities that might actually make learning easier.

Adults can often learn languages faster than children simply because they have experience learning in general. The concept of learning to learn might sound a bit strange at first, but it makes sense. We all have different methods of learning that work best for us as individuals and adults have been around long enough to have picked up on which of these methods might work best for them. As a grown adult, you’ve also likely completed a variety of training courses, college classes and other challenges that have engaged your mind and taught you things about yourself.

How long does it take to learn a language at 30?

Learning a language perfectly is solely dependent on three major factors which are the character of you as a learner, the time expended to learn the language by you and your commitment and dedication to learning the language.

Your character towards learning as a learner is paramount if you'll like to increase your learning pace. Character is also linked to your commitment and dedication as they all go hand in hand. Working on these three factors will help speed up your learning pace as a new language learner. 

You can also check success stories of learning a language over 30.

Conclusion

Learning a language at a fast pace is dependent on a number of factors ranging from the time you invest into it to how alike your target language is to the language(s) you speak (your native language). The mindset you take into a course and the reasons (your big why) you have for taking the course in the initial place. Do not let anything deter you from pursuing your language learning goals. You've got this with Promova!

FAQ

Can you become a polyglot at 30?

If you're one of those who consider being polyglot a thing, you should go for it. Putting in the work is all that matters. And in no time, you'll become a fluent speaker of your desired number of languages.

What is the cut-off age for learning a new language?

There really is no cut-off age to develop language fluency as the work lies on the determination and dedication towards the cause.

Can adults become fluent in another language?

A clear understanding of yourself as in your patterns of learning and the areas of your expertise serve as edges for you to become fluent in other languages. Your fluency in your native language is a good sign that you can attain the same feat in another language.

How can I improve my English at the age of 30?

Improvement in your spoken English requires the same process that is needed in all areas of life. Consistency and commitment are the main tools you need.

Comments

FarazJan 5th, 2024
Difference kind of quality reading. It will give me happiness to have better knowledge for me and meet new audience for listening skills
PromovaSep 14th, 2023
Age can have an influence on language learning, but it's not the only determining factor. While it's true that younger individuals tend to pick up languages more easily due to neuroplasticity, adults can still learn new languages successfully. The key lies in factors such as motivation, dedication, and effective learning strategies. Adults often have advantages like better cognitive skills, previous language learning experience, and a clear sense of purpose in learning a new language.
Domino HemingSep 14th, 2023
Does age really affect one's ability to learn a new language?
LucyGreenMay 4th, 2023
I started learning a new language in my 40s, and it's been a great experience.