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Writer's pictureCate Taylor

Do adults make good language students?

Three reflections from a tutor who teaches both children and adults.


adults learning languages French Spanish

Perhaps you are thinking of taking the plunge and learning (or re-learning) a foreign language. You may be asking yourself some questions:

  • What’s the best way to learn a language as an adult?

  • How long does it take? (For this I usually read - how much will it cost to learn a language?)

  • Can I learn French / Spanish for free online?

  • Does Duolingo or learning from websites work?

The answer is that it is really very different for everyone depending on the time and effort available. However, there are a few things I have noticed about adult language learners which may inspire you to go ahead.


Three reflections on adult language learning


I really enjoy teaching adults whether one to one, on zoom, face to face / in person or in a small group. I’ve noticed some differences between the way adults approach their learning compared to GCSE students and younger school children.



ask an expert language teacher

1. Adults keep asking questions until they really understand it; adult students really want to understand why. They are usually fascinated to learn about their own language by noticing links between their native tongue and words in the language they are learning. There isn't always an answer to the why of course, but it often provokes interesting discussion.


using French and Spanish in business meetings

2. Adults usually have a practical aim or purpose in mind - and it’s not usually exam based: learners can be business people; travellers and skiers; those aspiring to have (or who have) a home in France or Spain; or those fulfilling a long held interest. This inspires them and motivates them, not only to turn up to lessons, but also to have a go at speaking the language when given the opportunity.


remembering a word in French or Spanish

3. Adults are often delighted by the resurrection of latent language skills. It’s a real buzz when a word, seemingly long-forgotten, pops out “from the archives'' (as one of my adult students calls it).

So the answer to the question many ask themselves about whether their previous knowledge is gone completely, is that it’s just well hidden and needs to be unlocked! But where to start? Many adults have already been using duolingo or similar self study but are inspired by the progress leap when spending a lesson with a highly skilled teacher.

puzzles and learning languages are good for the brain

Feeling inspired? Go for it!

Many people do puzzles like sudoku or crosswords to keep their brains active; learning a language is a supercharged way of exercising your brain and maintaining mental agility.


If you’ve been thinking of re-learning French or Spanish, perhaps you work within a business based in Europe and would like to communicate in the language of your team, or you are hoping to spend more time in France or Spain, do get in touch.

I can do blocks of lessons or you can book weekly using my online calendar. If you would be able to use your new language skills for work, you could even try asking your company for the time to learn or even to pay for the lessons. You never know!




#teacher#schools#language#learning#french#Spanish#Spanishlessons#Frenchlessons#Englishlessons

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