How can I learn Russian when I am already 30 years old?
How many times have you heard that age is just a number, especially from people who have enthusiastically learned or achieved a goal at an older age? Well, this is absolutely true. With a strong reason and determination whether you are 18, 30 or more learning a new skill or a language is definitely possible.
Now, the pace at which you learn and the time you take to learn may differ which makes the actual difference in learning a new language like Russian.
At the age of 30, you are probably working in a job or have a business to take care of, there is a personal, professional and social life which takes up most of your time and you may find little time to learn a new language like Russian. Hence, it is important to find a strong reason which motivates you to find or create time for learning Russian every day.
There are many choices when it comes to the resources of learning Russian. You might have heard claims about people learning Russian all by themselves through videos, audio podcasts, by reading books, watching movies and listening to Russian music. While this is possible, there are other reliable and structured approaches like joining an online class where you get to learn Russian from a teacher directly. Find a class that allows you to practice and speak Russian from the very beginning. It would take more time if you are interacting in your native language or English rather than Russian with your teacher.
Many times, adults start learning Russian enthusiastically which lasts for a week or a month maximum. After that, there could be a meeting, a social gathering or your child’s school event which needs your attention and slowly you move away from learning the language. Hence, accommodate time for Russian learning on a daily basis. You might plan to wake up a little early or divert some of your leisure time towards learning Russian. It is important to practice and learn Russian on a daily basis because as a 30-year adult you might need more time to memorize and practice when compared to a child.
Decide on where your interest lies in learning Russian. Is it only for verbal communication or are you planning to learn how to read and write as well? Depending on this you can focus on learning only spoken Russian which would also include improving your listening skills because you learn a language by hearing initially. To be able to read and write as well, start with the alphabet and move further with kids’ books and simple texts to read and write. Listen to Russian audio and write the gist of what you have heard or try transcribing the entire Russian audio that you have listened to.
Make an effort to speak Russian in every possible opportunity. People usually shy away from speaking a new language for the fear of making mistakes and being mocked. But it is important to understand that only by speaking the language will you be able to attain fluency in it. Thus, understand that it is completely fine to make mistakes as a beginner, but learn from those mistakes and speak better.
Finally,
Irrespective of whether you are 18,30 or 50 your zeal for learning Russian and a methodical approach can definitely help you learn Russian.