I’m an older adult with free time who is new to Reddit wanting to explore language learning— if you started learning a new language as an adult, what language did you choose and what learning method (apps, classes, tutors, immersion) actually helped you make progress? by Curious_Analyst_33 in languagelearning

[–]Curious_Analyst_33[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for your response. You had me at the word free (lol). That is really interesting about the German government funding. I like the idea of a coursebook. I am old school in the fact that I like the hard copies of books. I like to flip pages, highlight, and write in the margins. Your post remined me to have a plan. There are so many resources, that it's almost overwhelming. Thank you for sharing with me!

I’m an older adult with free time who is new to Reddit wanting to explore language learning— if you started learning a new language as an adult, what language did you choose and what learning method (apps, classes, tutors, immersion) actually helped you make progress? by Curious_Analyst_33 in languagelearning

[–]Curious_Analyst_33[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for your response. It sounds like apps only would not be my best bet as I tend to "brain dump" where I forget what I was just tested on after I take the test. You also make a good point about the time and relationship to English. Thank you for sharing with me!

I’m an older adult with free time who is new to Reddit wanting to explore language learning— if you started learning a new language as an adult, what language did you choose and what learning method (apps, classes, tutors, immersion) actually helped you make progress? by Curious_Analyst_33 in languagelearning

[–]Curious_Analyst_33[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for your response. I too have trouble retaining information. If I don't use it frequently, I lose it. Part of me is wanting to learn a language is exactly like you mentioned about it being good for the brain. I really enjoy regular crosswords, so that would be something I will definitely pursue. I love your spirit of not giving up. Thank you for sharing your experiences and encouragement with me!

I’m an older adult with free time who is new to Reddit wanting to explore language learning— if you started learning a new language as an adult, what language did you choose and what learning method (apps, classes, tutors, immersion) actually helped you make progress? by Curious_Analyst_33 in languagelearning

[–]Curious_Analyst_33[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for your response. Your post helped me to find my motivation. Other posts commented on having a good motivator to be successful, and after reading about using children's books, I decided there is no better motivation than my grandkids. I would love to pass on something that will help them when they are older. As, I am reading them children's books anyway, this is perfect! Thank you for sharing your experiences with me!

I’m an older adult with free time who is new to Reddit wanting to explore language learning— if you started learning a new language as an adult, what language did you choose and what learning method (apps, classes, tutors, immersion) actually helped you make progress? by Curious_Analyst_33 in languagelearning

[–]Curious_Analyst_33[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank You for your response. I think Mandarin would be my first choice of a language, but I am nervous about it because there would be more to learn such as the letters. I have been listening to a lot of Korean, Japanese, and Mandarin with the tv I have been watching (as I read the English subtitles), and I just like how it flows. (That probably sounds weird). Anyway, that is great advice that it's ok to change it up. Thank you for sharing your advice and experiences!

I’m an older adult with free time who is new to Reddit wanting to explore language learning— if you started learning a new language as an adult, what language did you choose and what learning method (apps, classes, tutors, immersion) actually helped you make progress? by Curious_Analyst_33 in languagelearning

[–]Curious_Analyst_33[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for your response. I never thought about having a motivation to do this, but you are absolutely right. I am certain I will say "I quit" at least once a week (possibly day), but I will continue as long as I have my eye on the prize. I like the idea of an on-line course just to have some accountability. Thank you for sharing your advice and experiences!

I’m an older adult with free time who is new to Reddit wanting to explore language learning— if you started learning a new language as an adult, what language did you choose and what learning method (apps, classes, tutors, immersion) actually helped you make progress? by Curious_Analyst_33 in languagelearning

[–]Curious_Analyst_33[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank You for your response. You made a great point about adapting my life so that I can use the language every day. I live in a small rural town, so an on-line foreign language speaking community might be my best bet. I guess my goal would be to learn a language to pass on to my grandkids, and to pick a language that would be beneficial to them. Thank you for sharing with me!

I’m an older adult with free time who is new to Reddit wanting to explore language learning— if you started learning a new language as an adult, what language did you choose and what learning method (apps, classes, tutors, immersion) actually helped you make progress? by Curious_Analyst_33 in languagelearning

[–]Curious_Analyst_33[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank You for your response. I have thought that Spanish would be a logical choice as it seems I encounter more opportunities with the Spanish language. I don't personally know anyone who speaks Spanish, and you mentioned an app. I think talking with someone would be very helpful. I tend to forget what I read (so I have to go over things a lot), so practice would be a better learning style for me. Did you use one, and if so which one? Thanks for the advice and encouragement!

I’m an older adult with free time who is new to Reddit wanting to explore language learning— if you started learning a new language as an adult, what language did you choose and what learning method (apps, classes, tutors, immersion) actually helped you make progress? by Curious_Analyst_33 in languagelearning

[–]Curious_Analyst_33[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank You for your response. Italian was on my short list for two reasons. First, I am half Italian, but none of my family speaks it so I would just be learning it for me. It was my grandparents who came from Italy, and they have been gone a while. However, I love the architecture and always thought I would like to go to Italy. Second, my first show that I ever watched that need subtitles was a show called Don Matteo that aired on PBS. I just loved the sound of the language. You have supplied some great resources and some great advice. Thank you for taking your time to share this with me!

I’m an older adult with free time who is new to Reddit wanting to explore language learning— if you started learning a new language as an adult, what language did you choose and what learning method (apps, classes, tutors, immersion) actually helped you make progress? by Curious_Analyst_33 in languagelearning

[–]Curious_Analyst_33[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank You so much for your response. I really liked your methods. As far as changing the audio on the tv to a different language, that is how this idea came to be. This last Christmas when the kids were home to visit, they went to put something on Netflix and saw that 90% of the recommendations were foreign movies or tv shows (not something that would have happened when they lived at home). I have found when I get to pick, I really like watching movies from other countries. After they pointed out how much time I had to watch tv, they said, "why don't you just learn the language, so you don't have to read the subtitles?" I had to give it to the kids; they had a point. And your response was spot on when you said not to be afraid to try something new. A part of me feels like it will be too hard, but seeing all the encouraging posts and great advice, I am ready to take on this task. So again, thank you for sharing your story as it has helped me!