Advice on Language Learning, Travel, and Living Abroad
Ever since the days of Julius Caesar, people have wondered how long it takes to learn a language. (Don’t Google this, I made it up.)
The most sensible answer is:
It depends on so many things!
Like how close your target language is to your native language, or how many hours a day you will devote to the learning process.
So it depends is probably the most accurate answer, but that’s NOT the answer I’ll be giving you today.
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It’s easier for women to learn a language than it is for men.
Women are better socially.
Higher levels of empathy make them better listeners.
They may have better memory…
More patience…
And it is more socially accepted for a woman to study or practice her new language publicly.
So this post is for men.
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Yeah, this will be a controversial post.
But it’s true:
Alcohol can help you with speaking a foreign language.
Some claim it doesn’t, but I want you to know the truth with as less hypocrisy as possible.
When I say alcohol helps you to speak a foreign language, I’m not talking about getting drunk. (Although that may help you speak a foreign language no one has ever heard about.)
What I’m referring to is what’s called moderate drinking:
A beer here and there to loosen up your tongue, but not so much that it gets all tangled up!
In this post I’ll talk, somewhat reluctantly, about the reasons why alcohol is beneficial if you want to learn a new language.
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Even at old age, you can still learn a new language.
But you gotta let go of certain prejudices that exist about older language learners.
These prejudices hold you back from even giving it a go.
When readers ask me for specific tips for older learners, I always share my two rules for older language learners with them.
The rules aren’t tactical. They’ve got more to do with the mindset of older learners.
Here they are.
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Most experts agree:
Extroverts are better language learners than Introverts.
If you’re an Introvert, you’d better learn to change your personality or you’re doomed. You won’t be able to learn another language well if you’re an Introvert.
Well, what a load of ……..
The idea that Extroverts are better language learners is only partially true and hurts Introvert learners.
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