Is everybody able to learn a second language?

Answer 1

Two of the strong requirements to learn a new language are (1) interest, and (2) commitment.

You have to be completely interested, motivated and then committed to learn a new language.

When you have these then, the next aspect would be: methodology.

Studying a language is not entirely memorizing word for word correspondences from your native tongue to the secondary language you are learning. If you focus on that methodology, it quickly makes the study boring and unyielding.

To study a language you have to find lessons, or approaches that cover the following aspects:

1. Mode of Language:

Input (Comprehension): That is Reading and Listening. (Your eyes should be trained to recognize visual patterns of how letters (or even different characters) are put together, to symbolize and idea or a group of ideas; Your ears should be trained to recognize how sound and phonemes and intonation are put together to symbolize and convey an idea, and how differences in sound can affect nuances of communication.)

Output (Expression/Communication): That is Writing and Speaking. (You should train yourself to transcribe your ideas effectively using your hands or even candidly, your keyboard. You also should train the parts of your body that directly influence your speech i.e. lungs, throat, tongue, lips, jaw, vocal cords, etc.

2 . Composition of Language: i.e. Vocabulary and Grammar

Vocabulary is developed more effectively by immersing yourself to the culture of the language, as opposed to memorizing equivalent words from your native tongue. Think of it as you being a baby, beginning to associate words with what you see, feel, hear, etc. (Like when your mother keeps saying mama, while she points to herself, and you eventually associate the sound (or word) mama to the lady that you see that always takes care of you.)

Grammar is then how you put together different parts of speech (formal or informal) to effectively express ideas. Languages might be very related in terms of grammar, so studying languages related to your native tongue might make it easier. But some languages may be entirely different in terms of grammar.

Although I might have had a lengthy answer, I would say, yes!, Everyone can learn a second language. The more pressing questions are: “Are everybody committed and determined to learn a new language?” Or “Does everybody really want to learn a new language?”

Answer 2

Yes, but it is important to be motivated and have a positive attitude because those factors influences foreign language acquisition.

Answer 3

Hello! Yes, anyone CAN learn a second language - for sure!!. While it might seem like some people have more of a knack for learning languages than others, this does not mean that anyone can't learn. Regardless of your age, previous experience, or background, learning a new language is a skill everyone is capable of achieving. The biggest factors that effect your learning experience are the time and practice you put in, as well as the quality of the instruction you receive.

If you are an adult who wants to learn Spanish, even if you're starting from scratch, I am just the person to contact! I have worked with hundreds of adults of all different backgrounds, with fenomenal results to show. I am perceptive, patient and thorough. Message me and we can chat more about how I can help you.

Answer 4

Hi Andrea, To answer your question: YES. I have been tutoring and teaching Spanish for over 20 years. My current students range from age 8 to 72, and everything in between. I make learning Spanish fun. Learning a new language will open up your world. I adjust each of my lessons to a particular student's goals and learning styles. Please let me know if you have any questions. Have a wonderful day! Sarah

Answer 5

Yes, everybody is. If you had bad experiences in the past, it is not your fault, you probably did not have enough exposition to great input to start with. The key part in language acquisition is to receive lots and lots of input in the target language, and get it in a way that the language is sheltered and you understand the message. If you are interested in learning more about the research about "Second language acquisition" I suggest you find Stephen Krashen's or Bill Van Patten's websites. Or you could schedule your first class with me to experience the beauty of enjoying the language.