A while back I wrote an article telling that I was Back in the Saddle, back to studying language again. I had taken a short break of two months from my classes, and I was happy to get back to learning more of the local language. In that article, I promised that I would be coming out with an article regarding the age old common knowledge that everybody sites… if you are a bit older, it is very hard to learn a new language.
You see, I am an advocate that if you are going to live in a foreign country, it is important that you make an effort to learn how to speak the language that is spoken in that country. You don’t necessarily need to become fluent in the language, but at least learn some of the commonly used words, a bit of grammar and be able to say basic things to people in their language. I say this because if you do so, you will be more accepted into society, and your life will be a lot more enjoyable.
When I say this, the most common negative comment that I hear is:
I am already in my 40’s (or 50’s or 60’s, etc.), and it’s very hard for a person my age to learn a new language.
There may or may not be scientific evidence that a person of an older age has a more difficult time learning a new language, I can’t be sure. I have tried to research into this and can’t find a cut and dried answer to the question. However, I have some anecdotal thoughts that my disprove, or at least make you think twice if this is your thinking.
When I was in Junior High School and High School, I lived in Southern California. In school, I studied Spanish for 3 years. I learned a fair number of words and phrases, but I would not say that I became fluent or even very conversant in Spanish. When I was 45 years old, just 2 1/2 years ago, I decided to study Cebuano, the most commonly spoken language in the area where I am living. So, I have studied Cebuano (Bisaya) for a shorter time than I studied Spanish, and I was much younger when I studied Spanish. However, I have a much better knowledge of Cebuano than I ever did Spanish. How can it be? I am older, and have studied less… hmmm… let’s see how it could be.
When I was studying Spanish, it was a school course. I didn’t have a burning desire or even a big need to learn how to speak Spanish. I needed to learn enough of it so that I could pass my class and move on to something else. Yeah, I picked up enough that I could talk to somebody in a very simple manner, and probably make myself understood in Spanish in an emergency, but I could not sit down and really talk with somebody in Spanish in a pleasurable way.
Move forward some 35 years or so and look at my study of Cebuano. When I started studying it, I was living in a society that spoke Cebuano. I was surrounded by the language, it was what I heard if I went out into the streets of the place where I lived. When I heard people talk, sometimes I thought they were talking about me, and I wanted to know what they were saying. Sometimes I needed to tell somebody something, and wanted to be able to tell them in their language. Many of the people on the street could indeed speak and understand English, but they did not speak English unless spoken to in English, and often their English skills were rather limited. That’s not their fault, after all, they did not go to live in a society that used English, I am the one who came to reside in their society, so it was kind of up to me to learn how to communicate here.
You see, because of these factors, I was motivated! There was a reason why it was important for me to study and learn how to communicate in the local language.
So, the factor of my age really played little role in my ability to learn. When I was young, perhaps there was a physical ability for my brain to absorb a language in a superior way, or a quicker way. However, I really didn’t have a motivation or a real need to learn the language, so I was not making that much of an effort. Later in life, when I set out to learn a language, I had desire and need, and that pushed me to do what I needed to do to learn, regardless of whether it was technically easier or more difficult for my brain to absorb that information.
Another factor to consider is that when you are surrounded by a language that is new to you, you may not understand what is being said, but your brain is hearing those words. You may not even understand or be able to repeat the words, but your brain is hearing them, and absorbing them. Then, when you start learning the language, you learn things and it comes back to you… “oh, I remember hearing that before, now I know what it means!” It really works that way. As I have studied Cebuano, I have had these “aha” moments regularly, several times per month. I learn something and say “oh, I remember hearing Feyma say that before…” and something clicks in my mind. So, being immersed in the language is very helpful, and something that most people can’t take advantage of at a young age, because few youngsters are immersed like that.
So, maybe you are really against learning a language. If so, no problem, don’t make any effort to learn it. It’s really of no consequence to me if you feel that way. However, if that is your way of thinking, don’t complain when you can’t understand. But, if you are willing to take an hour or two each week away from your TV time, well, you can do it! You would be surprised how easy it is to learn enough of the language to improve your life, if you are willing. The key is to get a good teacher, and spend a little time learning. If you are tired of it, take a break. You will not learn if you don’t want to learn, so you have to wait until the time is right for you. You can do it, though, regardless of your age. I know that, and if you are willing to spend a small amount of time trying, you will know it too!
No, I’m not trying to force you to learn the language. But, if you are an American, think about this. How many times have you said “Those Mexicans coming up across the border don’t even learn English!” I know that I said that when I lived in the USA. In fact, when I thought about the fact that I had uttered those words many times in the past, it dawned on me that I had immigrated to the Philippines and had made no effort to learn the local language! It’s a humbling thought!
Good luck! Give it a try, I know you can do it, and I also know that you will be happy that you did!
Hi Bob – All of the “scientific” literature I’ve read about learning and age boils down to your observations. Here’s an example of the literature: http://www.springinstitute.org/Files/elderly1.pdf
Pre-adolescent youth have a greater ability to learn but, perhaps, less of a desire to learn something not of their own choice.
Adolescents start playing mind games with themselves, and run through self-perception and willingness to change one’s self issues.
Adults, as long as they remain healthy, remain able to learn, and due to their age, are better equipped to learn on a higher level. (Children will mimic whereas adults can make “higher order associations and generalizations.”
The trick is, for elderly, to remain healthy! 😉
Hi Paul – I really agree with that. As long as one is healthy, learning is achievable. And… sort of strangely… I also believe that learning and being involved in learning activities helps in keeping you healthy as you age. Having something that you look forward to, something to keep you busy helps keep you alive, healthy and still kicking. Really, I think that when learning stops, it is the start of the downhill slope.
Thanks for your comment, Paul!
I believe that young children (pre-teen) can absolutely learn a language easier and faster, the younger the easier. Like the old saying, I visited France, the kids are so smart there they already know how to speak French.
Now what I’m saying isn’t what you described – taking a foreign language class in school. What I’m talking about is immersion. Family moves from US to Davao, their 5 year old goes to local (non-American) school, plays after school with some cousins and their friends, etc. Picks-up the language pretty easy, becomes fluent and their accent sounds like a local – without really even trying (parents move back to the States, kid stays with relatives, forgets English – haha).
That being said, there’s some evidence that as we age, learning a language, or even just attempting to learn a language, may be a weapon against Alzheimer’s.
Hi Gary – I do believe what you say is true… all things being equal (immersion) the kid will learn more easily and quickly than the adult. However, a lot of adult expats that I know here complain to me that it is impossible for them to learn the language because of their age. That is, in my opinion, just an excuse for laziness. They can learn… being immersed in the language is a huge advantage and an incentive for them to learn, and using age to not learn is only an excuse.
I also agree with the part that learning something like a language could possibly be a tool against growing old, Alzheimer and such… that is much like what Paul said earlier.
Agreed – learning a new language is possible at any age.
Agreed – it may be critical for brain health to build new connections – learning something completely new, like a language does that.
Agreed – excuses, bitches, rants and raves…
Ha ha… looks like we don’t have anything to fight about, Gary! Ah… peaceful morning in the LiP neighborhood! How is everything down south in GenSan?
Gensan is doing well, thanks for asking. Just finished my morning workout (had to get my daily dose of LIP first). Time for lunch, siesta, then maybe an afternoon swim – after I dodge some trikes on my drive to the pool. Life’s rough =D
That’s a tough life you are living, Gary. I’d offer to help you out, but I’m busy suffering my own rigor here in Davao! 😯
Hi Bob;
I believe you summed it up correctly with the word motivation, If not motivated laziness and excuses will kick in. I don’t really think age comes in to play. I learned a great amount of Spanish at age 42, as I lived in Puerto Rico and wanted to! Back to motivation! Here in the Philippines I’ve learned just enough Tagalog to be polite, and wait for English to kick in. But I fully agree with both you and Paul, that if wanted you could learn at any age.
Hi Paul – Yeah, I agree with you. The difference for you, Paul, is that you learned enough Tagalog to be polite. Some of the expats I am talking about just sit around and bitch and moan that the people here don’t speak English to them! Ha ha… Well, I am quite sure that you don’t do that…. it kind of reminds me of your old saying… I need to give these guys a lift out to the Airport! 😉
Hi Bob,
Off-topic but on the picture… Are those the same Alaska milk ladies? 🙂
Hey, Milper… yep… before and after! 😉
Hey, you know, drinking plenty of milk might be good for your eyes! 😀
I think like you Bob. Learning new things will keep us healthier. I will be moving to Tagum City in about 4 weeks and I intend to learn Bisaya. Maybe not from Bebe right off but I am learning quite a few words already. I like to learn the Bisaya words for certain things and listen to my asawa to hear how she uses different phrases. after I am settled, maybe I can take a trip to Davao, once a week, and take a lesson and eat some of those great burgers you talk about. Of course you are always invited to join me for the burgers.
Hi Richard – Wow! I didn’t realize that you were so close to actually making the move! Congrats! I’ll look forward to meeting up with you once you are here. You and Tommy should also get to know each other, as he lives in Tagum already. Hmm… burgers and bisaya! What a combination!
Where did you live in Southern California? I lived in East Los Angeles. Montebello, Whittier areas. And, Yes your article here is right on the money. I was a Manager for a Automobile Dealership in East L A, and I learned Spanish as the city was 85% Hispanic. Needless to say I was able to save alot of deals by speaking the language. Good for you that you are appying yourself.
Hi lenny2000 – When I was very young, about 2 years old, we lived in Whittier. Then, we lived in other parts of the US and also abroad, but returned and lived in Fullerton when I was 12 up to 16. That was many years ago! I still have friends in SoCal though.
You know, learning the language is good for business, as you say, but it also just makes for a more enjoyable daily life when you are surrounded by people who speak the language that you are learning! It’s personally rewarding, and a good feeling. It also helps you make a lot of friends too. When they hear you speak their language, they take you in like you’re a brother!
Hey Bob, I was a military brat and lived in Sacramento when I was 3, and many other places. Hum, maybe that is why I easily think of moving to the other side of the world.
Hi Richard – I know the feeling! I was not a military brat, but during my childhood, we rarely lived in any one place for more than 2 to 3 years. I grew up in many States, and even different countries. I’m pretty happy to settle where I am now, though!
Hi Bob,
I have to agree with you and the other commentators here. The most important factor in learning a new language is motivation. If you are not motivated then you’ll find all kinds of excuses to put off learning the language.
I think that adults who choose to learn a new language are just as successful as children in acquiring a second language. The only real advantage children have is that they can learn the new language and speak it with the same accent as a native speaker of the language.
After puberty most people will always speak the second language with a bit of an accent.
I saw a documentary on TV a while ago about a 90 year old Japanese man who learned Korean. At 95 he decided to learn Chinese as well. And at 98 years of age he went to speak at a Chinese university in Chinese on the benefits of learning languages to prevent Alzheimers disease!
Hi Randall – Wow, I must say that the story about the fellow who learned Chinese and Korean is really inspirational! I doubt if I would have had the motivation to learn a language if not for the fact that I live in a place where learning the language held great personal benefit for me. Thanks for sharing that, I enjoyed hearing about it!
I’ll chime in here! Part of my work over the years has been to supervise foreigners learning Bisaya. these were people required to reach a certain proficiency level before moving into the work they came to do full-time. Pretty motivating! BUT. Along with motivation and age (according to the statistics, it just takes older people longer) there is apptitude. Some people can sing, others can’t carry a tune. Some people are good at math, others are better at writing or hands-on skills. We do not all have the same apptitude for all the skills that are out there. Some people ‘hear’ the sounds of a new language and are able to mimic those sounds, while others simply do not hear the difference between ‘ng and ‘n.’ I have a coworker who does not hear ‘s’ or ‘t’ sounds at the ends of words, so she says, “salama kaayo.”
SO, I encourage anyone who lives here to try to learn Bisaya, and all of us need to encourage each other, and cheer each other on, but there will be some that just can’t. And they will manage without. And since the older you are, the longer it takes, if the apptitude is not there, it is really hard to decide it is worth the effort. You can’t put in what God left out! So we need to encourage those people also!
Hi AmericanLola – Yes, no doubt that some people are good at certain things, and some people are good at others. However, I would argue that anybody can learn the very basics of Bisaya or Tagalog, or whatever is in use in the area where they live. Perhaps they cannot really get too deeply into the language, but learning enough for basic communication is not so difficult.
In my case, I never thought I would be able to, or even desire to learn the language. But, once I realized that it would benefit my life (partly through seeing you and your husband communicate in Bisaya), it gave me the push I needed to get going. In just 10 to 15 lessons a person can learn enough to get by, and I think that even a person without the aptitude can do that.
I agree that everyone should learn at least a few sentences and words that will help them show interest, kindness and respect for the people they meet! It is also really helpful to be able to ask where something is, or how much something costs. yes, I think pretty much anyone can learn some basics!
American Lola: I would agree with you on what you said. Rebecca is one of those people who learn new languages very easily… She’s fluent in about seven and knows bits and pieces of many more. However, I struggle just with English. That doesn’t mean I won’t try and learn. I’ve found that just by living here, I absorb a word or phrase here and there, and, God only knows why, sometimes they will stick!
Good luck, John! You can do it.
Yeah, that’s what I think too. Actually, with just the basics, even just 100 words, you can get your message across, and make some nice friendships!
Hi AL- As per usual what good advice.
Regards.
Jim
For sure. One advantage for older folks is focus, they may have less stress, less pressure, and their needs/wants have sort of been met. Adults have more life experience which they can apply or relate to what they’re learning. “Going back to school” is more of a passion, interest, not an obligation. (As a teen, I just couldn’t wait to get out of school.) Languages, aptitude is one, as they say an “ear” for languages. Immersion in the language environment is a plus, in which case your learning Bisaya in Davao is a hell of lot easier than in a language lab in the States.
My mom signed up for Japanese at the local u when in her late 60’s. It was fun to her, and the element of “fun” makes it easier to learn.
Hi AlexB – Yes, you are 100% correct. When you go back to school as an adult, it is a passion, something you really want to do. As a youngster, going to school is an obligation, not necessarily something you even care about. It makes all the difference in the world.
Hi Bob – In the UK they advocate that learning is “lifelong” and provided you have the commitment and determination you can learn whatever you set out to do irrespect of age as long as you have the mental capability.
Regards.
Jim.
Hi Jim – I’m with you all the way on that!
hi there guys.
I recently moved here to Davao city for medical reasons and even though I ahve only been here for 2 weeks I am very very keen to learn bisaya fluently to not only enjoy my stay here but to absorb the local culture and way of life that I am finding myself quiet enjoying.
I am wondering where I would go in Davao to find a course like the one you are suggesting Bob. I would like to atend an accreditted course.
Partly because it means I can apply for a student visa here and partly because I would like to ability to meet others also interested in learning more of this beautiful language.
Salamat
Hi Josh – I am sorry, but I do not believe that there is such a think as an accredited course in Bisaya. Bisaya is not even taught in schools, because it is not an “official language of the Philippines.” The schools teach students English and Tagalog. I can, though, put you in touch with my teacher, Bebe, if you like. You can certainly learn the language through her, although that will not help with things like a student visa or meeting other learners. Bebe would offer you private lessons at your house, or at a public place where you can meet (a coffee shop, restaurant, or some such place).
Let me know if that would be helpful. I am sorry that I cannot help you with exactly what you are asking for, I just don’t think that such a thing exists.
actually bob that would be more than helpful thankyou
can i just send u an email with my contact details and also i would just like to thankyou for getting back to me as I have enjoyed using your site here it has been very informative and very helpful and i appreciate it so much.
thankyou once again
Hi Josh – Just contact me through the “Contact Us” link at the top of this page, let me know how I can help you, and I’ll do my best to assist you.