learning a new language in your 50's

[RomanyQueen1]

Hi, just wondered if anyone had done this and they had any advice.
It's not a common language, not available on apps like duo lingo.
Has anyone got any tips about how the best way to learn is?
I can find resources on youtube but don't know apart from repetition of speaking what I could do.

@RomanyQueen1

I am in my 50ties and learning languages all the time
Adults have advantages children do not have and can use methods kids can't (stops lecture now )
Which language are we talking about?

If Michel Thomas teaches that language I would recommend his lessons - he taught me ALL Italian grammar, really quickly.

I was never great at learning languages from books, I had a grammar book and vocabulary book for the last language I had to learn, but mainly learned it by immersion - watching cartoons/movies on youtube, meet ups with native speakers every week etc. I live in a big city though so may not be possible for you to find nearby meet ups.

I went to a summer school- a fortnight in the country concerned. Strange to be in a classroom with 20 somethings but I knew weekly classes or apps etc would never work for me.

Can you find a Skype tutor?

Have you looked at italki

I've only used it for German but it might be worth a try.

You do really need a proper tutor who can speak with you, correct any mistakes and explain and answer any queries you have.

There is a website called Busuu, which pairs you up online with a native speaker or someone fluent enough to teach you.

Sorry for late responses, was on school run.
The language is Romany (not Romanian)
I'm not sure I could find a tutor, it is an evolving language that may be gone soon.

That is difficult - I thought - correct me if i am wrong - that Romanes is not taught to outsiders?

Why do you want to learn that?

Yes, it's taught at Universities in Language depts but it's very academic and I can't go to uni as not practical and it's part of a larger course.

MissLady

just because, no special reason apart from it's dying and roma think it should be continued.

I wasn't being goady, I just wondered why.

MissLady

I didn't think you were at all, it's a fair enough question.
just for my own pleasure really, so don't/can't throw a lot of money at it.
I'm just really interested in the language and it's relation to romany migration.

Sounds a great idea. I know several people who have learnt new languages in their 50s so you're definitely not past it.

I'd start with finding out what resources there might be: is there a textbook/learning resource? do you know any native speakers who would be happy to help? is there any audio material? how much has been written in Romany? If you google the universities that teach it you might be able to get an idea of how they teach it and what material they use.

Don't know if any of these links could be helpful:

romani.humanities.manchester.ac.uk/resources/cd/cd1.shtml

www.languagelinksdatabase.com/gypsy/

Romani language - Lesson 1. Basic Conversation (part 1) - YouTube

(there's plenty more stuff on YouTube)

Thanks Cory, I have seen these, and the course at Manchester.
I tried to enrol on the manchester course, just the introduction, but it was an add on for existing students.
When I looked it wasn't ideal though as just looking at how the language is constructed.
Very important of course, but not actually teaching the language.
have looked at the text book they use, but not applicable again.
Thank you for trying for me, that was lovely.

@RomanyQueen1
If you are interested in language survival, there is a (free online) course on edx about this and about language revival (Australian languages, Hawaian, Sorbian etc.). Perhaps you'll find someone there who is able to help you? Or put you in contact with someone who works with that language?

Oh thank you very much I'll have a look at this

I took the course and it was fascinating.
It was self paced so I could fit it around my work and other responsibilities.