Change your mindset about learning languages. The first step is to let go of the idea that it’s too late to learn. Adults have advantages that children don’t: more discipline, learning experience, and analytical skills.
Some key mindsets:
Embrace mistakes: Making mistakes is part of the process. Every mistake brings you closer to fluency.
Celebrate small achievements: understanding a conversation, ordering food, or making friends in the local language are important milestones.
Avoid comparing yourself to native speakers: your goal is to communicate, not to speak perfectly from the start.
Immerse your life in the language
One of the most effective ways to learn is to expose yourself to the language as much as possible. This doesn’t just mean studying books or apps, but incorporating the language into your daily life:
Local media: Listen to the radio, watch TV, or follow YouTube channels from the country. Constant exposure helps you become familiar with accents, expressions, and everyday vocabulary.
Social media and news: Following local accounts on Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok helps you learn current expressions and stay up-to-date with the culture.
Label your surroundings: Place notes with words in the local language on objects around your home, such as “refrigerator,” “door,” or “stove.”
The more the language is integrated into your daily life, the faster you’ll internalize words and structures.
Practice with real people: Nothing replaces face-to-face, or at least real-time, interaction with other people.
Friends and neighbors: Look for opportunities to converse, even if it’s just for a few minutes a day. Regular practice is more effective than sporadic, long sessions.
Language exchanges: Many cities have groups where locals learn Spanish and you learn their language. Apps like Tandem or Meetup can help you find them.
Everyday situations: Shopping for groceries, ordering food, or visiting a pharmacy are ideal times to practice useful vocabulary.
It’s not about perfection, but about gaining confidence. Every conversation teaches you something new.
Combine structured study with flexible methods
Although immersion is key, a little organized study helps consolidate what you’ve learned:
Language apps: Duolingo, Babbel, or Memrise are useful for gradually learning vocabulary and grammar.
In-person or online classes: A teacher can correct mistakes and explain rules that apps don’t always explain in detail.
Books and podcasts: Reading easy-to-use books or listening to podcasts tailored to your level strengthens listening and reading comprehension.
The key is to mix and match methods: Combining real-world practice with structured study produces better results than using just one strategy.
Use repetition and active recall
Learning new vocabulary and expressions requires constant repetition and active recall techniques:
Flashcards: Apps like Anki or Quizlet allow you to review words and phrases regularly.
Journaling in the local language: Writing a few lines each day about your routine or experiences helps establish structures and vocabulary.
Repetition in context: When you learn a new word, use it in several different sentences; this helps you remember it better.
Active recall and regular review are more effective than studying for hours on end in a single day.
Don’t forget the culture
Learning a language isn’t just about grammar and vocabulary; it’s about understanding how people think and communicate.
Customs and expressions: Learning greetings, gestures, and idioms makes you sound more natural.
Participate in local events: Fairs, workshops, or cultural activities allow you to practice while enjoying the culture.
Humor and local media: Watching comedy shows or reading local jokes teaches linguistic expressions that a book won’t explain.
Language and culture go hand in hand; knowing one helps you understand the other.
Be consistent and patient.
Learning a language as an adult takes time, and each person progresses at their own pace. Some tips to stay motivated:
Set small, achievable goals: learn 10 new words a day or hold a 5-minute conversation.
Make language a daily habit: even if it’s just 15–20 minutes, consistency beats long, sporadic sessions.
Track your progress: noticing improvements in comprehension and expression reinforces motivation.
Learning the local language as an adult is entirely possible if you combine motivation, consistent practice, and real-world exposure. Changing your mindset, immersing yourself in the language, practicing with people, studying flexibly, and remembering the culture will allow you to communicate with confidence and enjoy your life abroad more.
Remember: it’s not about being perfect, but about integrating, understanding, and making yourself understood. Every conversation, every mistake, and every new word is a step toward fluency. With patience and perseverance, you’ll soon feel comfortable speaking and living like a local.
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Beleida Delgado
