The Truth about Learning English as an Adult

Is it too late to learn English as an adult?

It’s a common misconception that adult learning English is impossible. Here at BELS, we specialise in adult English courses, and with the proper guidance and methods, learning English as an adult is possible. We welcome hundreds of adult learners from all over the world into our schools every week. One of the best parts of that is seeing adults embrace new challenges and the happiness on their faces when they reach and exceed their goals.

While it is always recommended to start learning English as a child, it is by no means impossible to start learning English as an adult. Of course, it has been proven time and again that children are more receptive to new languages and language stimuli, but that shouldn’t stop you from starting to learn a new language at a later stage in life.

Yet, it’s not as hard as you think to learn English as an adult. Many studies show that adults also have some advantages when learning languages. Their life experience and maturity equip them with many important techniques and skills that children simply don’t have. So quickly dispel the myth that adults can’t learn English.

There can be many reasons why adults decide to learn a new language at an advanced age. However, the lack of free time, a job, or even a family sometimes makes this decision difficult. In the end, it is, above all, a question of motivation and one’s own interest which influences whether one manages to learn a foreign language. Nowadays, however, it is more important than ever to master English because English opens the door to the world for you. It is used in all world countries and is required in many areas of life. Therefore, now is exactly the right time to learn English in adulthood.

Why is it a good idea to learn English in adulthood?

Learning English as an adult can be an enriching experience with several advantages. Firstly, adults have a more developed cognitive system, which makes it easier for them to learn new content. They better understand the learning process and can use their past experiences to learn more effectively. Adults are more aware of their learning strategies and can customise their learning process to suit their needs. This knowledge helps them absorb content more effectively, making language learning more efficient.

Secondly, because adults have much life experience, they can make more associations with new vocabulary than children and create functional learning bridges in their minds. They can relate new concepts to their existing knowledge and use this information to understand further information better. This approach helps them to learn new words and phrases quickly and use them in context.

Thirdly, adults bring a broader vocabulary to their English language learning and usually have more expertise, enabling them to understand complex concepts and grammatical structures better. With a greater understanding of the language, adults can use the language more effectively and communicate more clearly.

Furthermore, learning a new language as an adult can be a gateway to new opportunities. It can open doors to new job prospects, improve international business relations, and enhance travel experiences. It also improves cognitive functions and contributes to better brain health.

Learning a new language is an enriching experience, regardless of age. It allows you to broaden your horizons and connect with individuals from diverse cultures. With the right mindset and dedication, anyone can learn a new language and unlock its numerous benefits. So, why not leap and embark on this exciting journey today?

Here are 4 benefits of learning English as an adult

1. Increasing Intelligence – Learning new sounds, words, and grammar structures requires acquiring a new language. As a result, you will notice a significant improvement in your language proficiency and comprehension. You will soon be able to use different languages to navigate various situations easily. Moreover, neurologists have discovered that learning new languages is an excellent way to keep the brain active. When you start learning English, for instance, you exercise your memory. As you switch between languages, your brain creates new connections.
2. Improving your memory – While your brain is occupied with processing all the new sounds, vocabulary, and grammatical structures of English, your memory will improve automatically. This improves your mental performance and reduces the risk of cognitive impairment later in life.
3. Optimising mental flexibility – You automatically become more mentally flexible when you learn a new language. Why? During language learning, all areas of your brain are activated. So all the brain functions have to work and make an effort, and that’s how new connections are made, so your brain gains. In addition, a study by University College London found that our brains can work faster when we learn new languages.
4. Making new friends – Learning English as an adult (or even as a child or teenager) brings along a significant benefit – the opportunity to make new friends. You will come across people who are in the same position as you, learning English. You might share similar interests or encounter similar challenges along the way. With your new friends, you can motivate each other and practice English together. There’s no better way to learn English than with a group of new friends.

So, if you are considering learning English, here’s what some of our former adult students have to say about their experience with BELS.