This is a common complaint I hear from my students whenever they start facing challenges along their journey of learning English. “Teacher, I’m too old. My children learned it within three months. It feels impossible for me.” Are they right? Do children really learn faster or easier than adults? Although I have not come across any, I am sure there are studies out there to either prove or disprove that. And logic may also suggest that to be true. However, even if there is some resemblance of truth to that statement, it is not the complete truth.
The truth I am certain of is a bit simpler; adults approach language learning differently and and do not have the same opportunities for immersion and practice. Adults also have one major hang-up which children do not have, we are more self-conscious. Children are not afraid to speak, while adults obsess over conjugating verb tenses perfectly speaking with perfect accents. Children also have more time to watch television programs which can help them improve.
There are many things adults can do to help improve their language learning. Things which are already a part of their daily routines, such as engaging in small talk with the mother of their children’s friends and brief conversations with attendants are the supermarket. Another major way adults can improve their English (especially their listening skills) is by listening or watching content in English. A good source of that is the podcast News in Slow English. This podcast is very helpful because it’s tailored to the demographic of English learners. It’s also great because it can be listened to in the car, or at home while completing chores such as cooking and cleaning. It is free to listen to the podcast and it is availably on a variety of platforms which is convenient.