Note that specialists at the National Teaching and Learning Forum say that the greatest obstacle to adult language learning is lack of confidence. Recent research in the field of adult learning indicates that healthy adults continue to learn regardless of age. Recent research debunks the 1960 theory that the human brain looses the plasticity and ability to learn new language over time. Neurological research since then shows that adults continue to learn and notes that the adult learning method simply differs from youthful learning. This also applies to learning a new language.
Associate new language material with material that is already part of your learning experience. Dr. Paul Iverson of the UCL Centre for Human Communication, acknowledges that the rate of learning differs between adult language learners and children. Adult language learners learn language better than children in the areas of language structure and vocabulary. Remember that rote learning by children relies on short-term memory compared to the use of long-term memory learning in adults. This means that you will learn a new language more quickly in the early states of language study.
Listen to a new language. Iverson's linguistic research indicates that the brain learns to listen for the sounds of their native language and, over time, tunes out the sounds that are not directly related to this language. Train your brain to learn a new language by training it to listen for the new sounds of a second language. Linguistic research with Japanese, Sinhalese and German native language speakers indicate that when you focus on learning new sounds, you will be able to recognize the sounds of a new language with significant increased proficiency than without this training.
Check the classroom teaching methods for adult learners. You learn differently and need teaching methods directed to adults. Be sure that the instructor does not use extensive rote memorization and drills that target short-term memory skills that are more appropriate for younger learners. You will learn best with methods that appeal to your ability to associate new material with what you already know, thus look for teaching methods that stress the relevance of new material with a focus on understanding.