There are endless excuses for not learning a second language, especially as an adult. Adult learners are unique because they have competing priorities on a daily basis. Whether it’s work, a looming project, children struggling with schoolwork, health concerns or just plain doing so much with very little time and resources, finding time to squeeze in language learning can be quite a challenge. Additionally, many of us fall victim to the oft-repeated adage that children are best-equipped to pick up a new language. You might lead your whole life believing that you’ve missed your window. In reality most of the road blocks in the way of learning are mental. Adults are superior language learners if we approach learning with a playful, fun state of mind (like a child), make mistakes, and try to really live the language — listen to music, watch foreign movies, play video games.
Here are some suggestions to liven up your language learning and make it more fun:
Spend as little as 20-30 minutes day on your learning but be consistent
Download a really fun app
Try new recipes
Use labels on everyday objects to integrate new vocabulary into your life
Watch a film with subtitles
Cook with recipes in the second language
If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart. - Nelson Mandela