Where should an adult start learning English?

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17 March 2025

English-learners

Oleksandra Kulish

Book expert

Philologists, teachers, and students have been discussing the role of age in learning a foreign language for many years. According to many of them, childhood is the best time to eventually master the art of speaking English at a native level.

Scientists argue that although children intuitively learn the phonetic and grammatical features of the language better, English for adults means faster understanding of complex semantic structures.

Does it make a difference at what age to start learning English?

The traditional belief that it is easier to learn a language up to a certain age is based on research on the neuroplasticity of the child's brain. However, there is also evidence that the more developed cognitive skills of adults make learning easier. Beginners, even as adults, can learn English in a step-by-step and effective manner.

A 2016 study published by the University of Michigan on foreign language learning

In 2016, the University of Michigan conducted an interesting study on foreign language learning. Researchers Saito and Akiyama found that it is easier to start for adults who have already studied another foreign language. In addition, an intentional focus on form allows you to learn more effectively.

To focus on form, you need to pay more attention to organic English. For example, read literature in a foreign language. To start from a simpler level, adapted books in English are ideal.

How does previous experience of learning another language affect the learning efficiency of adult beginners?

Beginners who already speak other languages learn English much faster than beginners who learn a new foreign language. This is due to several factors:

Developed cognitive skills.
Expanded basic vocabulary.
Availability of a learning strategy.

In addition to these advantages, multilingual people know more grammatical structures and do not have significant problems with the language barrier.

Where to start learning English for adults

The main thing for every beginner is to choose the right methodology and use a step-by-step approach:

Determine your level. You need to start by taking an online test in order to choose the right textbooks and learning materials.
Determine whether you need English for work, travel, or emigration.
Choose high-quality self-study books and textbooks.

The right start is key to your success.

Tips for effective learning and understanding the logic of language

Follow these tips to learn the language quickly:

Learn words in context - make sentences, watch videos.
Make English a part of your life - watch TV shows with subtitles, take notes at home, and change the language of your phone's interface.
Practice your pronunciation by reading aloud when you're at home, singing songs, and repeating after your favorite bloggers.

And most importantly, spend at least half an hour a day on active learning.

5 apps to learn English fast with just your smartphone

Download one of the following apps and spend 10-15 minutes a day on it to make your English learning experience more varied:

Duolingo. The lessons in the app are built in a game format, so the process of learning new things will be much easier.
Memrise. An app that will help you memorize many words and enrich your vocabulary.
Anki. The flash card system in your phone allows you to learn words by active memorization.
HelloTalk. A social network where you can communicate with native speakers and teach others.
LingQ. A platform that helps with listening and reading comprehension through interesting articles and podcasts.

Even as an adult, you can start learning English through diligence, regularity, and a combination of learning methods, even while studying at home.

The best books for comprehensive English language learning for adults on Dinternal Education

The main source of systematized information is always a quality book. Dinternal Education offers self-study books and textbooks from leading publishers for any level of language proficiency. Start your journey to English fluency by choosing quality learning materials that will help you with a comprehensive study of all aspects of the language.