Best Age to Learn a New Language

Learning a new language can be an enriching, exciting, mind-expanding experience. When it comes to language learning, many people wonder: What’s the best age to learn a new language? Is early childhood optimal, when our brains are like little sponges, taking in new info at a quick pace? Or is it best when we are older, and will be able to understand aspects like grammar and culture?

It turns out the answer is less straightforward than you might think. There isn’t one time period that’s best when it comes to learning a new language, says Claire Law, a teacher, relational psychotherapist, and the senior contributor at Four Minute Books.

“Each phase of life comes equipped with its own unique strengths that can make language learning an incredibly rewarding, brain-boosting experience when you lean into the right strategies,” she says. “The key is being intentional about tapping into the specific skill set and mindset of your current age and stage.”

Here, we’ll take a look at learning a new languages throughout the different stages of life, and some expert tips for being successful.

Factors That Affect Language Learning

While different ages have their advantages and disadvantages, age isn’t the only factor to consider when it comes to language learning. Language learning is impacted by several factors, says Sanam Hafeez, PsyD, neuropsychologist and director of Comprehensive Consultation Psychological Services.

These factors include:

• Cognitive abilities, which evolve across different ages
• The motivation or drive of the language learner
• The effectiveness of different learning strategies that may be employed

“As individuals mature, their cognitive functions advance, impacting their capacity to understand abstract language concepts and grammar rules more deeply,” Dr. Hafeez explains. Motivation is also a pivotal factor during the language learning process, she says, as it influences engagement and the willingness to persist through any challenges that are encountered.

Finally, the way that  languages are taught is a major factor, and some strategies are more effective than others. “Effective learning strategies such as immersive experiences, repetition, and interactive learning tools enhance vocabulary retention and practical communication skills,” Dr. Hafeez describes.

Language Learning in Early Childhood 

There are many benefits to learning a second language in early childhood. One main benefit is that young kids’ brains are equipped to learn at a fast pace. This is owed to the concept of neuroplasticity, which describes the brain’s ability to adapt and change.

“Young children, typically under 10, benefit from heightened neuroplasticity, enabling them to absorb languages and often achieve near-native proficiency easily,” says Dr. Hafeez.

Young children also have a natural curiosity, which adds to their ability to absorb languages easily, she adds.

Studies have shown some clear benefits to teaching young children more than one language. These benefits include:

• Stronger social understanding
• Increased sensitivity to communication styles, like recognizing different tones of voice
• Cognitive advantages, such as being able to switch easily from one activity to another
• Boosts in some aspects of memory, like the ability to generalize information from a present event to a later one

Strategies for Early Language Learning

So what’s the best way to teach young kids a second language? Dr. Hafeez shared her top tips:

• Language immersion, which is when kids are exposed to the language throughout their daily activities (stories, songs, conversations)
• Use of visual aides, props, games, and hands-on exercises
• Real life experiences, like cultural outings or interactions with native speakers

Language Learning in Adolescence 

Many people think that early childhood is the magic window for learning a language, and that by the time you are a teen, that window has closed. But that’s not the right way of looking at it, says Law. That’s because teenagers have certain cognitive advantages that make learning a language easier and more enriching in certain respects.

“Those analytical thinking skills that blossom post-childhood are incredibly powerful tools for breaking down the grammar rules and nitty-gritty logical structures that may have seemed like gibberish when you were younger,” Law describes.

Dr. Hafeez says there are several distinct benefits to learning a language in adolescence:

• Increased cognitive flexibility
• Better problem solving skills
• Opening up new education opportunities
• Setting you up for a more diverse career

Strategies for Language Learning in Adolescence

Often, a second language is taught in middle school or high school. But some kids do a self-study program or are looking for additional study tools.

Dr. Hafeez shared some ideas for language learning among teens:

• Try immersive activities like watching movies or listening to music in the language you’re learning.
• Participate in a language exchange program to boost listening comprehension and fluency.
• Practice particle speaking regularly with peers or native speakers to increase confidence and conversational skills.

Language Learning in Adulthood 

Learning a new language as an adult comes with its own set of challenges. “Adults often face difficulties such as managing time amidst work and personal commitments, grappling with unfamiliar grammar structures, and overcoming self-consciousness about making mistakes,” says Dr. Hafeez.

But it’s not hopeless. You can definitely learn a new language as an adult, and research has found that our brains have more plasticity than we used to think. Learning a new language benefits people throughout their lifespans, with some research finding that doing so many even be protective against cognitive decline as you age.

Strategies for Language Learning in Adulthood

The trick to learning a new language as an adult is being consistent in your learning. Most adults learn best through bite-sized, multi-sensory lessons, says Law. “Conversation practice is also paramount,” she adds.

Dr. Hafeez’s top language learning tips for adults are:

• Set achievable goals.
• Establish consistent study routines.
• Integrate language practicing into your daily life.
• Immerse yourself in the language through music, movies, or other media.
• Consider a language exchange program.
• Find opportunities to interact with native speakers.
• Use mnemonic devices and flashcards.
• Use the help of a language learning app like Duolingo or Babbel.

The Bottom Line

There is no best age to learn a new language—you can be successful at any age. Not only that, but the benefits of learning a second language apply whether you are 6 years old or 60 years old.

“Taking on a new language unlocks cognitive blessings and ways of understanding different cultures, no matter how old you are,” says Law. The goal is to find an approach tailored to your age and learning needs, she concludes.