Why I Started Learning New Languages as an Adult

Learning a new language as an adult might seem overwhelming, but I find it’s been a great pastime. I’ve been working with remote companies that hire people from many backgrounds. Many people speak more than one language. So speaking more than one language becomes a way to connect with people (hey, I speak that language too!), and learn about other cultures.

I first started picking up more languages because there are so many free language lessons on YouTube. Unlike when you’re taking a class, you can learn at your own pace and learn whichever topic you’re interested in that day. So if I’m tired that day, I just watch a beginner-level video with some basic phrases and vocabulary. It’s the lazy way to feel smarter! And when I’m in the mood to challenge myself, I watch a news broadcast to see if I can pick up the main ideas. And if I’m in the mood for some fun, I watch a movie and try to pick up some slang and idioms.

That cultural insight is one of my reasons for learning a language. You’re not just memorizing vocabulary—you’re discovering how people think, what they value, and how they see the world. Languages like French classify words as masculine and feminine. Languages like Japanese have different ways of counting things that are flat vs round vs people. Languages like Chinese create compound words, such as electric+brain = computer.

From a practical point of view, I’ve also noticed jobs that list a second language as either a requirement or a strong asset. I wish I had spent more time learning languages when I was still in school so I could have more job options today! 

There’s also a brainy side benefit: learning languages is great for memory. Picking up new vocabulary is like a memory exercise, especially when it comes to Asian languages that don’t use alphabets. It’s also fun to watch a movie and see how much of it you can piece together from the actions and the words that you do understand.

Starting as an adult might mean learning at a slower pace, but I appreciate what I’m learning more. I get to practice what I’m learning by watching movies, talking with people who speak the language, and relating to people that I meet (I’m learning that language too!). Also, there isn’t the pressure of getting letter grades like you do when you’re learning a language at school!