Have you ever heard someone say, “I’m too old to learn a new language”? Or perhaps you said it yourself. It’s a common belief that children are the best learners when it comes to languages, and that adults are somehow at a disadvantage when it comes to acquiring new linguistic skills. However, recent developments in neuroscience have come to reveal that this may not necessarily be the case. Neuroplasticity makes sure your brain can learn and adapt right through your lifetime. In this article, we shall look at what neuroplasticity is, how it does relate to language learning, and why it is never too late to start learning a new language.
What is Neuroplasticity?
Neuroplasticity, commonly referred to as brain plasticity, is the capability of the brain to change and adapt due to experiences. This goes to mean that our brains are not fixed but able to reorganize by making new neural connections all through life. It is this capability that forms the very foundation of learning and memory.
Until recently, most scientists believed that the structure of the brain was fixed after the end of a specific age. Indeed, these last decades of research have shown that the brain creates new neural pathways and changes existing ones to adapt to new experiences, learn new information, and form new memories.
Neuroplasticity and Language Learning
Now, when it comes to language learning, neuroplasticity plays an important role. Here’s how:
Creating New Pathways of Neurons: While learning a new language, your brain builds up new neuron pathways through which it is able to receive, process, and store the knowledge. So, the more you practice, the stronger these paths get.
Strengthening Prevailing Connections: New language learning may also strengthen old prevailing neural links. This is particularly the case if the one you are learning now has similarities with those you already know.
Increased Grey Matter: There are studies showing that through learning, there is a gain of grey matter in the brain, and gray matter is directly related to intelligence, memory, and language.
Cognitive Flexibility: This is improved by switching between languages, and learning new linguistic structures, or the mind’s facility to toggle between different concepts.
The Myth of the “Critical Period”
Until recently, there was general feeling that a “critical period” existed for language acquisition, where one would normally expect this to be terminated at puberty. The more general inference had been that the ability of an adult to learn a new language was much harder, if not impossible.
However, recent research also disagrees with it. Although correct that children may have an edge in language learning, such as being less self-conscious and having more time to expend on learning, adults, too, have a list of advantages:
Advanced Problem-Solving Skills: With the enhancing of problem-solving abilities, adults are able to discern complicated grammar rules and language structures.
Life Experience: Because they have lived longer, adults can integrate any new concepts in language learning with more general life experiences, possibly enabling them to attach more value or memory to the learning process.
Motivation: Adults usually have specific concrete reasons for learning a language. These might therefore provide very strong motivation.
Learning Strategies: Adults can utilize the learning strategies they have acquired over the years.
Harnessing Neuroplasticity for Language Learning
Now that we understand the power of neuroplasticity, how do we harness it for more effective learning of a new language? Here are some strategies:
Regular Practice: The regular exposure to the language strengthens the neural pathways. Engage with the language daily, even if only for a very short time.
Variety in Learning: Let different parts of your brain be engaged with different kinds of learning methods. Combine activities such as listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
Immersion: When at all possible, immerse yourself in the language. Watch movies in the target language, listen to podcasts, or read books in the target language.
Use Mnemonics: Create memorable associations for new words and phrases that you will need to remember. This can help solidify neural connections.
Don’t Fear Mistakes: Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. They are a natural part of learning, and they actually serve to help solidify correct neural pathways over time.
Motivate Yourself: Establish attainable goals for yourself and celebrate your success. This might help in learning and remembering more effectively with the help of positive emotions.
Sleep: Sleep helps with memory consolidation. Adequate rest is necessary so that your brain can process and retain whatever you have learned.
Success Stories in Real Life
To further demonstrate that it is never too old to learn a new language, let’s look to a few inspiring examples:
Benny Lewis: Known as the “Irish Polyglot,” Benny Lewis didn’t begin learning languages until he was a grown man. Now, he speaks over 10 languages fluently.
Steve Kaufmann: At age 60+, Steve started to learn languages and is now-peon in his 70s-speaking 20 languages.
Kató Lomb: Hungarian interpreter and translator, Lomb didn’t start languages until her early teens, went on to master 16 languages, and spoke many, many more.
These individuals are proof that with effort and the right strategy, anybody, regardless of age, can attain a very proficient level in a language.
Conclusion
Neuroplasticity sciences bring us a very strong message: through our lives, our brains keep on being flexible and capable of learning. It is this very factor that assists in the process of language learning at any period of our life. This process, though different, keeps the adult brain fit and ready to acquire new languages.
Next time you hear anyone say-or find yourself thinking-that it is too late to learn a new language, just remember the power of neuroplasticity: your brain is ready, waiting for a challenge. All that you need to start doing is begin.
Whether you are 25, 45, or 85, the best time to begin your language learning journey is now. Relax and enjoy the process; insist on it, and your brain will change and develop, opening an absolutely different world for linguistic opportunities.
Remember: every new word you learn, every conversation you have, and every mistake you make are building up and reshaping your brain. That’s one fascinating journey of growth and exploration. Why not get started right away? Your brain will thank you!
If you’d like more personalized help with mastering Spanish, I’m available for one-on-one classes on Preply. Let’s work together to take your Spanish to the next level!
