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Why Learning a New Language as an Adult Feels Difficult (and How to Overcome It)
It's true—learning a new language as an adult can feel like an uphill battle. Our brains, wonderfully wired for efficiency, have already formed strong neural pathways for our native language. It’s like a well-worn path through a forest—easy to follow but harder to diverge from and create new trails for a different language.
But this challenge is not a hopeless one. Adults tend to overanalyze language, breaking it down into rules and exceptions, while children absorb it naturally through intuition. This analytical thinking, though sometimes a hurdle, can also be a strength—if we learn to use it to our advantage.
7 Reasons Why Adults Struggle to Learn a New Language
1. Established Neural Pathways
Our brains have deeply ingrained pathways for our first language, making it harder to form new ones for a second language.
2. Reduced Brain Plasticity
While children's brains are highly adaptable, adult brains are less flexible, making it more challenging to acquire new language patterns.
3.Cognitive Interference
Adults tend to analyze and dissect language, which can slow down natural language absorption.