Find your motivation to learn a new language

Practicing with other people helps solidify what you’ve already learned and makes you more aware of which ideas you’re able to express. These need not be native speakers you chat with, though various websites and apps such as languageexchange.com, HelloTalk and TalkAbroad can connect you with som...

It might take some trial and error, but you’ll figure out which resources work best for you. Mobile apps such as Duolingo and Babbel gamify your learning, so if you could easily spend hours playing on your phone, you’ll likely find these similarly addictive. Others such a...

So, why aren’t more of us multilingual? There are dozens of decent answers but a common retort doesn’t have much merit at all: the idea that adults, just can’t learn languages as easily as children can.

Cildren tend to pick up new languages quickly and easily, it has more to do with how the...

Immerse yourself in your chosen language as much as you can. Watch movies or listen to songs, even if they are just on in the background. Periodically look around you and see how many things you can name in the language you’re studying. Or, better yet, label items around your home with those word...

Sometimes you’ll miss the mark as you unknowingly stumble on an irregular verb or an exception to the rule. But more often you’ll be right. And even when you do falter, those who are fluent should still be able to understand what you mean.

It seems counterintuitive, but you’re more receptive to pick up on language patterns when you aren’t hyper­focused on learning them. So rather than stare intently at a vocabulary list when learning, glance over the words while you listen to instrumental music. Or turn on subtitles in the language...

If you dream of being bilingual, your age does not disqualify you. Make the process more fun—and, by extension, more successful—with these tips: