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Friday, September 1, 2006 (read 902 times)
80 Years Old and Learning Spanish
by ErinPart of what I do here at don Quijote is watch the news for articles about Spanish learning, Spanish courses and the Spanish language.
Today I ran into this story about an 80 year old woman who just finished a Spanish course at her local library in Arkansas. I'll have to ask the Director of Studies to confirm this, but I'm pretty sure the oldest don Quijote Spanish beginner (so far) was just about 80, as well.
I started learning Spanish en serio at 38, which I thought was a challenge, but here I am living and working in Spain. Just goes to show you: No, you never are too old to take on a new language - or get those you've already studied a bit into good working condition!
If you're under 80, think how much easier you have it than my hero of the day, Mary Stephens of Rogers, Arkansas, USA.
Keywords: study,spanish,news,learn
Comments
Thanks for the comment, Jamison! I agree.
Every once in a while I go to Antwerp to visit a Belgian friend (with whom I speak Spanish, since we met in Spain) and every trip she takes me over to her parent's house -- so they can practice the language they're studying at 70 something or other - English.
That's how to be 70 something!
Erin
I've met a number of individuals that have started learning Spanish after middle age has begun. It's great to see, because it reinforces what brain scientists are now saying - that our mind is elastic and flexible, and we have the capability of learning whatever we want even deep into the golden years.
I think it partly has to do with the attitude of the learner. I think it's truly a "if you think you can do it, you will, and if not, you won't". Keeping a positive spirit and not being afraid of errors will get one far.
Thanks for the comment, Jamison! I agree.
Every once in a while I go to Antwerp to visit a Belgian friend (with whom I speak Spanish, since we met in Spain) and every trip she takes me over to her parent's house -- so they can practice the language they're studying at 70 something or other - English.
That's how to be 70 something!
Erin
I've met a number of individuals that have started learning Spanish after middle age has begun. It's great to see, because it reinforces what brain scientists are now saying - that our mind is elastic and flexible, and we have the capability of learning whatever we want even deep into the golden years.
I think it partly has to do with the attitude of the learner. I think it's truly a "if you think you can do it, you will, and if not, you won't". Keeping a positive spirit and not being afraid of errors will get one far.