Learning Languages as a Adult
Learning a new language can feel intimidating. And I won’t pretend it isn’t challenging. But if it’s something you feel drawn toward, I wholeheartedly encourage you to begin.
Learning the language of a place shifts your experience of travel in profound ways. It moves you from observer to participant. Conversations become richer. Everyday interactions feel more human and less transactional. Sometimes, even a small amount of language opens doors that might have otherwise remained closed.
There’s also something deeply rewarding about understanding and communicating with people in their native language. In my experience, even imperfect attempts are often met with warmth and generosity.
Language learning can also offer insight into a culture’s values and worldview. In my Japanese studies, for example, I learned there are multiple forms of polite speech depending on who you’re speaking with and the nature of the relationship. That structure reflects an attentiveness to social context and respect that is deeply embedded in the culture itself.
Italian offers similar cultural clues. Take the word passeggiata, the evening stroll Italians often take after dinner. It’s more than a walk. It reflects a way of moving through life that prioritizes presence, community, and savoring the moment.
One of the wonderful things about learning a language as an adult is that you can shape the experience around your own curiosity. You’re not studying for an exam or a grade. You can focus on the things that genuinely captivate you - food, films, literature, travel, music, art, conversation.
And the best way to begin is often in small, consistent ways. Study with your morning coffee. Listen to a podcast while washing dishes. Learn a few words each evening before bed. Over time, these small rituals become woven into your daily life.
Below are a few of the methods and resources I’ve personally used while studying languages. This is by no means an exhaustive guide, and there are countless theories about the “best” way to learn. My advice is simple: find what keeps you engaged. The goal is connection and communication, however you arrive there.
FOREIGN LANGUAGE LEARNING RESOURCES
YouTube
I love YouTube for learning in general, but it’s especially valuable for language study. You can find content for nearly every language and level imaginable, often completely free. Search for your target language along with your current level or specific interests, and you’ll quickly find videos that feel enjoyable rather than overwhelming.
I often watch Italian YouTubers discussing topics I already enjoy, which makes the process feel far more natural and immersive.
Children’s Shows
Children’s programs can be an excellent entry point into a language. The vocabulary tends to be repetitive, the pacing is slower, and visual context helps with comprehension.
I’ve absolutely spent time watching Peppa Pig and Shimajiro on their Japanese YouTube channels, and honestly, they’re useful and a lot of fun to watch!
Online Tutors
Working with a tutor is one of the best ways to build confidence speaking a language. Platforms like italki and Preply offer affordable one-on-one lessons with tutors from around the world.
This is one of my favorite approaches because 1:1 tutoring can be adapted entirely to your pace and interests. Lessons can focus on travel conversations, grammar, reading, pronunciation, or simply becoming more comfortable speaking out loud.
In-Person Classes & Cultural Institutes
If you live in a larger city, cultural institutes can be wonderful resources for language learning and community. Here in Chicago, for example, organizations like the Italian Cultural Institute of Chicago and the Japanese Culture Center offer classes and cultural programming throughout the year.
One of the greatest benefits of in-person learning is meeting people who share your curiosity about a place and its culture.
Podcasts & Music
Podcasts and music, even if you don’t completely understand what’s being said, are wonderful for passive language exposure. They help train your ear to the rhythm and cadence of a language, even during moments when you aren’t actively studying.
Over time, you begin recognizing familiar words and phrases almost subconsciously, one of the small but encouraging milestones that makes language learning feel alive.
WHAT ABOUT APPS?
Language learning apps can absolutely be helpful, and I do think they have a place in the process. They’re convenient, accessible, and great for building consistency, especially if you’re trying to fit language study into a busy life. Apps can be useful for vocabulary building, reviewing grammar concepts, or simply maintaining daily contact with a language.
That said, I personally don’t think apps are enough on their own. Languages are ultimately living and relational things. They’re meant to be heard, spoken, interpreted, and experienced in context. Apps can sometimes create the illusion of progress without helping you feel comfortable engaging with real people or in real conversations.
I like to think of them as a supplement rather than the foundation. They work best when paired with other forms of immersion, whether that’s listening to podcasts, watching videos, meeting with a tutor, reading, or attempting conversations out in the world. Also be sure to find out what apps work best for the language you’re learning - not all of them are created equally.
Learning a language is ultimately less about perfection and more about participation. It’s an invitation into another way of seeing the world. Even a handful of phrases can transform the way you move through a place, helping you feel more connected to the people, culture, and everyday rhythms around you. Start small, stay curious, and allow the process to unfold slowly.
hi there, I’m angi the founder of roam & gather. My mission is to curate joy-centered, small group journeys that are relaxed, intimate, and rooted in culture, community and slowness.
Roam & Gather is a small travel company offering soul-nourishing, curated travel experiences that help connect people with global communities, like-minded travelers and themselves.
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