You Can Still Speak Another Language Fluently As an Adult
There is an age-old myth that adult adults cannot speak a second language fluently. And recently, the media pointed to new research that seems to suggest the same thing, saying the age limit for fluency is around 18. But this is simply not true.
To clarify the situation, we need to define fluency. According to the dictionary, “fluency” is the ability to speak, write and express one’s thoughts in a foreign language easily and clearly. Basically, can you learn the language enough to communicate with a native speaker without too much stress on both sides? Difficult, yes, but quite possible for a 19-year-old or even a 58-year-old. You see, there is a difference between the grammatical fluency of a native speaker (that is, a “native speaker”) and basic language proficiency. That’s what’s confusing here, and that’s why this myth continues to hang in the air.
As Monika Schmid, a linguistics professor at the University of Essex, points out , the study published in the journal Cognition never even mentions the words “fluency” or “fluency.” Why? Because that’s not what the study was looking for. He tried to find out if people have a “critical window” for learning the complex subtleties of the grammar of a language at the same level as a native speaker. Even so, the study’s findings are uncertain at best due to the methodology used, according to Alissa Newport , a professor of neuroscience at Georgetown University who specializes in language acquisition. Newport continues that most languages can be learned in about five years, regardless of age.
Of course, learning a language becomes more difficult with age, but not because you missed a special window. This is most likely due to your circumstances, such as gradual cognitive decline and memory loss, less study time due to work and family, and a lack of motivating force to propel you forward. Typically, as an adult, you don’t need to learn a second language – you don’t go to school and your job probably doesn’t require it – so it becomes something of a hobby that you sometimes take the time to do.
If you can learn a language in your 40s, can you speak like a native speaker? Probably no. But you can learn to speak fluently if you work. Don’t let silly myths hold you back.