You're Never Too Old to Learn a Foreign Language!

by Lauren Nemec

I found a sweet article today from the Hartford Courant about residents of a retirement community who are learning foreign languages in order to communicate with each other. You can read it here.

Nearly 40% of the residents at the Olympia, Washigton retirement community are Korean-born, and don't speak much English. Though they had been neighbors for many years, the American and Korean residents could not do much more than smile at each other- until now. At the request of the residents, English and Korean classes are being offered at the community. Being able to ask of their neighbor something as simple as "How are your children" in their neighbor's native tongue has not only helped the seniors to develop respect for each other, but has also opened the door for friendship.

Studies have shown that children who begin language learning at early ages will have better native pronunciation and an increased ability to speak the language fluently than an adult who begins language study later in life. However, according to language-learning-advisor.com, advanced age should not prevent a person from successfully learning a foreign language. Quite the opposite! A person's life experience, motivation, confidence and mature cognitive system can greatly contribute to their learning a foreign language.

Besides, I guess it helps that they don't have the added pressure of studying for exams or certificates!

*Photo credit: courant.com, Tony Overman