Thread

1. shigawire · 1789831395 · focus · HN ↗

   Anyone have experience learning a new language in their 30s? I've tried and failed a few times. I can't tell if the time constraints (family, work, life) or mental constraints are the bigger problem.

   1. anothereng · 1789834840 · focus · HN ↗

      you need serious motivation to learn a new language. First ask yourself if you have a really good reason otherwise you will give up. I, for example learned english because I needed for work. But I wouldn't dive into learning another language unless I'm going to engage with it in some form every day

      1. a96 · 1789988330 · focus · HN ↗

         I'd kind of argue against that. Jump right in! Just don't set yourself up for expensive or humiliating failures by putting stakes on your learning. Learn you some basics and see where that goes. If you like the language, you can keep digging.

         If you have a genuine need for a language, you'll need to worry about success. If you just want to learn, there's nothing stopping you other than time and effort and saying no.

         1. anothereng · 1790010687 · focus · HN ↗

            in order to become really proficient in a language you have to spend 1000s of hours. if you're doing it just as a hobby that's fine but if you don't have a clear goal you're likely not going to advance much. For a hobby that might be fine but I think most people want to get to at least B2 in another language since they're spending so much time in it. I do agree learning should be fun watching content you like in your language for example but you also have to take it seriously to persevere

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