Ask Aunt B

Dear Aunt B,

Is it ever too late to learn a new language? I have never studied another language. I am planning a trip to a region where English is not spoken, and I would like to know a little. What’s the best way?

New Speakeasy

Dear New Speakeasy,

Never too old to learn new things, thank God. There is so much available in today’s world to learn anything you desire. I remember when it was a big deal just to get learning materials. No more. A little embarrassed to tell you, I still have cassette tapes that I used when I spent a bit of time trying to learn Spanish. For those of you that are scratching your head trying to figure out what a cassette tape is, google it. Just a little lesson in history. As I admitted, I was trying to learn Spanish and still haven’t even come close to speaking Spanish. That is because you do have to spend some time in the endeavor of learning the language, not just buying the teaching product.

So what is the best way to learn a new language? Looks like with everything, experts disagree but dang there is so much information out there and so many ways to practice. If you decide to attempt this and really put your mind into it, you will definitely be successful.

Again, youtube.com is your friend. You can search any language and find lessons and natives speaking and giving fabulous advice. There are also so many different apps. I believe you can learn so much without buying a product at all.

If you do decide to purchase a product, there are many available. Some of the products are available for a one-time purchase and some for a monthly fee. Some even include multiple languages but of course start with one. A google search will present you with multiple options. Most include a free trial so you might want to try a few of them and see which you prefer. I don’t have a favorite but a few of the most popular are Pimsleur, Babbel, Mondly, Rosetta Stone, and Lingoda.

Flashcards are also powerful and can be used at any time. I always liked flashcards. They seem so old school, and I liked that.

Grammar is not as important as you might think but can always help some. But from what I found, I wouldn’t worry as much about being perfect with your grammar.

Watching television and movies in your chosen language can be fun or extremely frustrating. Pick up some reading material as well. It would be fun and very helpful if you had a buddy to practice with. If you are trying this on your own, then attempt to communicate in some way with others, through the internet or find someone in your area that speaks the lan guage and reach out to them. Record yourself and listen. There are even websites where you can send in your recordings and get feedback from native speakers.

Spend a little time every day. This will keep you interested and, as with all learning, consistency is the best way. Fifteen minutes every day is always better than a few hours once a week.

There are also translation apps available on all of our phones, just in case you fall short in your learning or just decide to wing it. All the languages are there. You can just type in what you want to say, and then it will translate it. Then you can attempt to read the translation or just show it to the person you are trying to communicate with. That being said, have fun with your learning.

Love, Aunt B

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