‘I’m an interpreter, and this is how I learned languages quickly.’

Spoiler for Mild Emily in Paris: Emily’s struggle with French is maybe the show’s single (kind of) relevant aspect—learning a new language as an adult is challenging! But it is possible. “Everyone has heard at least once in their lives that learning a new language when you’re young is the greatest way to learn it.

Some even recommend that you begin learning at the age of ten to become entirely fluent like a native speaker, especially when it comes to understanding grammar and accents “Lingoda, Europe’s top online language school, is led by Mike Shangkuan, CEO. However, he cautions that this may not be the case. So, how can an adult learn a new language?

Adults’ brains struggle to establish new thought patterns, according to Esteban Touma, a teacher and content producer for the language-learning app Babbel. He explains, “We’ve spent years inventing a mental system that’s fantastic at organizing knowledge.” “With the exception of languages, this makes us quite effective at learning new things.”

It’s difficult to deviate from that system’s rules, but that’s exactly what you need to do because you’re learning a new system.” Shangkuan adds that having fun while learning a language is the best method to learn a language as an adult.

Artemisa Valle, who leads the Casa Cornelia Law Center’s Volunteer Interpreters and Translators (VIT) Program, says one approach is to watch children’s movies and cartoons in the language you’re trying to learn or brush upon.

They have straightforward plots and terminology. “It’s easier to practice because you can voice along with the remembered dialogue. Disney animated films are the finest since all of the singing and dancing provides for a lot of breaks “she explains.

For Spanish learners who are ready for more advanced practice, Valle suggests viewing telenovelas. “This style allows for a creative turn of phrase, numerous register levels, and word nuance,” she explains. “There will be no dull study sessions here!”

Touma is all for it, as long as it’s something you enjoy. “This strategy has worked for hundreds of my students, but only watch children’s movies if you enjoy them. The idea is to watch something you’d like to watch in any event “he declares “Foreign language works can also provide cultural and regional perspectives, and there is a lot of fantastic material available.

But the most important thing is to get exposed to the language and have pleasure while doing so. Don’t worry if you don’t comprehend everything. Simply watch, enjoy, and take in as much as you can.”

Shangkuan makes a key point to remember when applying this tip: “The question is if you’re learning the terminology that you can use in your regular life.” “Taking a language course can help you in this situation. Touma advises, “Remember that learning a language isn’t actually about learning a language.”

“Don’t separate your learning process from what you’re actually learning, which is how to communicate in a new way with other humans!” Connecting with people you may know who speak the language, listening to podcasts and music in your target language, and reading about the country’s history are all options, he says.

“Remember that you must be ready to convey your own unique human experience with others in that language,” Touma says, “so make sure what you’re learning is linked to you.” “I’d never remembered how to say “dove è la Biblioteca?” or “where is the library?” if I were learning Italian. But I’ll never forget how to say “Where can I get pizza and wine?” Priorities. “Subito!” Now that’s where the pizza and wine should be! FWI.