Learning a language – 10 things you need to know (Holly Young, The Guardian)

Thinking about learning a foreign language? From ignoring your age to avoiding the F-word, our multilingual experts share their tips.

Panellists describe the importance and joy of reading for pleasure in another language. Photograph: Holger Burmeister / Alamy.

1. Make realistic, specific goals

You have decided to learn another language. Now what? On our recent live chat our panellists first piece of advice was to ask yourself: what do you want to achieve and by when? Donavan Whyte, vice president of enterprise and education at Rosetta Stone, says: “Language learning is best when broken down into manageable goals that are achievable over a few months. This is far more motivating and realistic.”

Toddler brain scan gives language insight (Helen Briggs, BBC)

 

The left hand side of the brain has more myelin.

The brain has a critical window for language development between the ages of two and four, brain scans suggest.

Environmental influences have their biggest impact before the age of four, as the brain’s wiring develops to process new words, say UK and US scientists.