to think I can learn a language at 30?

[languageat30]

One as hard as Arabic? I'm a lone parent to a 4 year old. We spend approx 30-40 days a year in Arabic speaking countries (currently in Egypt basking in 46 degree sunlight!). I do not speak Arabic and only know words, no grammar and can't string a sentence together. I desperately want to learn but haven't got a huge amount of time. I AM going to learn so I guess I'm not really asking whether I should or not, but would like to manage my own expectations and get some advice from 'languagey people'. Does anyone have any advice for someone who has approx one hour a day to learn?

I learned Thai at 32... but only by living there . (Not in Bangkok or a tourist area but in a place that if you don't speak you don't eat !! ) it's the fastest way to learn !

Yes you can do this, I am presently one year into an online Spanish course in preparation for moving to Spain permanently. You could try the one I use
which is Duolingo. They are really good, ideal for someone who is time limited. I do about an hour a day and l am really pleased with my progress. Good luck!!

Of course you can! An hour a day is a lot of time. Your learning needs will change as you learn, maybe start with an app like drops then move on to YouTube and then some 121 lessons. Exposure to people talking and practicing writing are key. Go for it!

Unfortunately living over here isn't an option, I'm just in love with a few countries!

Duolingo is great but I don't think it's good for difficult languages like Arabic (they don't have an Arabic course and I don't believe babbel does either). I'm planning on doing classes and taking the lead from whoever is teaching me.

Someone in my company in their forties had to learn Russian in six months for a promotion. They had to immerse themselves in the language and did about 25-30 hrs a week (occasionally during work hours when he fell behind) but he managed it to a reasonable level.

There is indeed an Arabic programme on Duolingo.

There is a Duolingo course in beginner’s Arabic, my 9 year old started it as we got some new neighbours and the kids spoke very little English. Sadly they moved away but he might keep it up anyway!

I have learnt German and French since I became semi retired. Will be moving onto Russian next.

There is definitely an Arabic course on Duolingo as I am about 3 weeks into it after moving to Oman earlier this year.

I would definitely advise to use the paid for version, think it's about £5 per month as is a difficult language especially the written parts.

I am doing Spanish on Duolingo in my 50s and my neighbour started Portuguese in her 70s.

Yes of course. I speak 5.

I think its much easier and quicker to learn a language if you live in the country which speaks the language, because you are immersed in it, so to speak

But obviously this isn't always possible 😁
So, my top tip is to find a tv programme, like a soap opera, in Arabic and watch it. Initially you'll not understand a thing. But you'll understand what is going on .
And then when you learn more words/sentences, you'll start to recognise those words/sentences in the tv programme.

My.mum did this when she moved to the UK. Didn't speak a word of English, but as well as going to night school for English lessons, she watched Coronation Street and Eastenders.
Not being rude about those 2 soaps, but even if you don't understand a word, you can understand what is going on 😁plus the language they use is short, easy words and sentences.

I'll see if I can find you an soap that is in Arabic.

Absolutely you can! Lots of speaking practice is important, but don't tell yourself you can't, it's totally possible.

I have no idea why I thought duolingo didn't have Arabic!!

Yes, of course. It might be hard but humans are amazing. Good luck!

I've taught languages in all kinds of contexts and age makes no difference when it comes to learning a language (though full immersion is different).

An hour a day is perfect - consistency is the most important thing so a little every day will help a lot. Ideally, you want an in person lesson at least once a week as well and think about watching Arabic language TV with subtitles on to get.your ear in.

Good luck and enjoy the experience!

You can absolutely learn a language at 30, especially if you're willing to devote an hour a day to it! Duolingo is good for beginners, but if you're serious about learning, you will soon need to progress to something more structured which will teach you grammar. Is going to a class an option? It's best to be able to practise by actually speaking to people.

Anyone can communicate in an intermediate way in Arabic but just bear in mind that due to a limited alphabet words often have multiple meanings. If you’re in or around London, Soas’ short courses are extremely good https://www.soas.ac.uk/study/short-courses-overview/language-centre-short-courses/our-language-short-courses/arabic

I am not sure the English spoken on Corrie and Eastenders is necessarily something we should want learners to emulate, but in general watching TV is a great way to immerse yourself in a language.

Language learners have it easy now compared to a generation ago, with TV and websites in foreign languages available at the touch of a key. When I was a student we had to trek in to the language lab and queue up for one of the coveted TVs showing foreign programmes.

On the other hand it’s as hard as ever because you do still need the discipline to keep at it and get through those necessary hours of repetition. Good luck!

Def recommend Duolingo as a starting point