Why It’s Never Too Late to Learn a New Language: My Journey Across Cultures and Classrooms

Special Editorial by:

Giovanni Minicucci

PhD Student, Instructor of Italian and Spanish
University of Chicago

Introduction

Growing up in the heart of Abruzzo, Italy, where every street has a historical resonance and every discussion is mixed with regional dialects, I have always been fascinated by languages. Not only was Italian my first language, but it also served as a doorway into my identity, culture, and narrative. I had no idea that language could serve as a bridge between worlds until I began learning other languages, first English, then French, Spanish, and finally Portuguese.

I have been a student, a teacher, a traveler, and the founder of a language exchange program that links hundreds of students from different continents. I've learned from each role that learning a language involves much more than just memorizing words or perfecting grammar.

It's about gaining access to diverse cultures, developing deep relationships, and learning fresh perspectives. However, a lot of adults I encounter are dubious about picking up a new language. They say, "I simply don't have the time," or "I'm too old." Not only are these ideas false, but they also deprive adults of the amazing delight and transformation that come with learning a language, as my own path and experiences as an educator have demonstrated. This article serves as a call to action for adults to embrace language study as well as a reflection on my multilingual path. It's never too late to start, regardless of age.

My Multilingual Upbringing: Being Around Dialects

Italy is far from having a homogeneous linguistic landscape, despite popular belief. Every location has its own dialect, some of which are so different from one another that they might be regarded as independent languages. Growing up in Abruzzo, I heard both standard Italian and Abruzzese, and I soon discovered that even minor linguistic variances may reveal profound cultural distinctions.

My interest in the functioning of languages was piqued by this early introduction to linguistic diversity. What causes some words to completely shift between dialects? Why may gestures occasionally be just as powerful as words? These questions remained with me, influencing both my teaching philosophy and my academic endeavors.

But Spanish and English were the first languages I learned in school. English was more difficult, but Spanish felt natural, almost like a distant relative of Italian. Because grammar was prioritized above interaction in our school textbooks, I was theoretically prepared but essentially lost when it came to conversing with native speakers. This educational gap later affected my teaching style, which emphasizes useful, real-world language applications over theoretical rules.

Learning Through Immersion: My First Experiences Abroad

When I was an exchange student in Rochester, New York, I first realized the value of immersion. English, not just the formal, academic version I had studied in Italy, but the quick, colloquial, and frequently slang-filled language of daily life, surrounded me at every turn. Initially, I struggled. Ordering a coffee, joining a casual conversation, or understanding the humor on late-night television felt daunting. However, immersion pushed me to adapt. It sharpened my ability to pay closer attention to context cues, listen more actively, and, most importantly, embrace my mistakes as an integral part of the learning process.

This experience laid the foundation for my understanding of how powerful immersion can be. It’s not just about linguistic fluency; it’s about stepping into a new reality and learning to navigate it. My subsequent trips to Spain deepened this understanding. Immersion there wasn’t only about improving my Spanish—it was about being part of a living cultural experience. Walking through the streets of Granada, listening to Flamenco in Andalusia, or savoring conversations in bustling mercados, I realized that language is inseparable from the cultural context in which it thrives.

Through these encounters, I discovered that language and culture are inextricably linked. Every idiom, phrase, and grammatical quirk reflects a way of thinking, a perspective shaped by the history, geography, and traditions of its speakers. Learning a new language is not just about mastering syntax or vocabulary; it’s an invitation to see the world through a different lens. For instance, understanding the nuances of formality in Spanish taught me the importance of respect in interpersonal relationships, while English idioms gave me a glimpse into the humor and creativity of its speakers.

Immersion teaches you resilience, humility, and curiosity. It forces you out of your comfort zone and into a space where growth happens organically. Over time, I came to cherish those moments of struggle—the awkward missteps, the accidental misunderstandings—because they led to breakthroughs. They taught me that language learning is not about perfection; it’s about connection, understanding, and the joy of discovery.

These experiences have shaped not only my perspective as a learner but also my approach as a teacher. I strive to recreate the transformative power of immersion in my classroom, helping my students experience language not as an abstract subject, but as a living, breathing pathway to new cultures, ideas, and ways of seeing the world.

Teaching Across Borders: What My Students Have Taught Me

I’ve had the honor of working with students from a variety of backgrounds as a teacher, and each one brings unique challenges and incentives to the classroom. My teaching journey has taken me across cultural and linguistic borders, allowing me to teach Spanish and Italian to diverse groups at institutions like the University of Chicago, Middlebury College (Language Schools), and Syracuse University. From heritage speakers with deep familial ties to the language to total beginners encountering it for the first time, I’ve learned invaluable lessons about how we learn and connect through language.

For those unfamiliar with the term, “heritage speaker” refers to individuals who grow up speaking a language at home, often different from the dominant language of the broader society in which they live. These speakers typically have a strong emotional connection to the language, shaped by personal and familial experiences.

Heritage speakers often approach the classroom with a natural fluency in conversational settings, which can contrast with challenges in mastering grammar or formal structures. Yet, their passion and pride in the language often inspire their peers and create a dynamic classroom environment. On the other hand, beginner students often bring an analytical mindset to the table. They focus on piecing together grammar rules and understanding the building blocks of the language before venturing into conversations. Their curiosity and methodical approach remind me of the importance of laying a solid foundation while nurturing their confidence to speak, even imperfectly.

As a teacher, it’s my responsibility to meet each student where they are and bring the language to life by balancing spontaneity with structure. This means adapting my teaching methods to suit the diverse needs of the class, whether it’s guiding heritage speakers to refine their academic writing or encouraging beginners to embrace the inevitable mistakes that come with speaking a new language.

One of my most memorable teaching moments was when a group of beginning Spanish students presented a brief play in class. Despite only having studied Spanish for a few months, their passion, creativity, and courage to perform in a foreign language were inspiring. The experience reminded me that in language learning, confidence and enthusiasm can often matter as much as technical accuracy. Similarly, heritage speakers have taught me the value of personal narratives in learning. I remember a student who shared stories about their grandparents in Spanish, weaving cultural history with language practice and turning the classroom into a space of shared discovery.

Teaching across borders has also shown me the profound impact of cultural exchange. Each student brings their own perspective, and the classroom becomes a microcosm of diverse experiences and worldviews. Whether it’s an Italian student sharing regional idioms or a Spanish learner explaining how their native language influences their pronunciation, I’ve seen firsthand how teaching is a two-way street. While I guide my students in their language journey, they continually teach me about adaptability, resilience, and the boundless potential of human connection.

These experiences have not only shaped my teaching philosophy but have deepened my appreciation for the transformative power of language. It’s not just about vocabulary or grammar—it’s about fostering an environment where students feel empowered to explore, make mistakes, and ultimately find their own voice in a new language.

Founding ITALengUSA|WorldLangAmerica: Connecting Cultures Through Conversation

WorldLangAmerica(formerly ITALengUSA) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to uniting students across continents through bilingual conversations. Launched in 2020, this initiative was born from my passion for languages and cultural exchange, aiming to bring the classroom to life by fostering real-time language interactions. The concept was simple yet powerful: pairing American and Italian students for authentic language exchanges, facilitated by a structured yet flexible program that encouraged dialogue, curiosity, and mutual learning.

The program quickly gained traction, serving over 400 students each semester as it expanded to reach more schools and communities. ITALengUSA isn’t just about mastering grammar or vocabulary; it’s about building bridges. Italian students gain insights into American slang, humor, and daily life, while their American counterparts discover the richness of Italian culture—exploring traditions, values, and perspectives that extend far beyond the clichés of pizza and pasta.

What continues to amaze me is the profound impact this program has beyond language proficiency. Students often share that these exchanges transform their understanding of the world, fostering friendships that challenge stereotypes and preconceived notions. Through these interactions, they don’t just learn a language—they develop empathy, global awareness, and a deeper appreciation for cultural diversity.

This experience reinforced my belief that language learning is about more than just communication—it’s about creating human connections. By facilitating these exchanges, ITALengUSA empowers students to become global citizens, bridging divides and nurturing a sense of shared humanity.

The Adult Advantage: Why It’s Never Too Late to Learn

The idea that adults are less capable of learning languages than children is among the most common misconceptions I encounter. However, in my experience, adults tend to learn more quickly—not because their brains are younger, but rather because they are more driven. ‍

Adults learn because they choose to, whereas children learn because they must. This internal urge is a strong motivator. Adults have specific objectives that keep them motivated, whether they are retired professionals learning Spanish to communicate with their grandchildren or tourists brushing up on French for a dream vacation to Paris.

The abundance of life experience that adults bring to language acquisition can greatly accelerate their progress. They are frequently distinguished from younger learners by their capacity to identify patterns, make linguistic comparisons, and apply what they have learned to actual situations. To help with vocabulary recall, adults learning Spanish, for example, may rapidly recognize the parallels between Spanish and English terms inherited from Latin, such "hospital" or "animal." Adults who are aware of their linguistic roots are better able to understand language structures, particularly when learning languages with similar etymologies.

Adults are also skilled at using metacognition, which is the capacity to reflect on one's own learning process. Whether it's analytical methods, immersive experiences, or mnemonic devices, they can customize their tactics to suit their needs.

Adults may observe, for instance, that the Spanish past tense "fui" (I went) is related to the root of "fugitive," connecting the concepts of movement and departure. Even though these linkages are modest, they can hasten their comprehension and increase their level of language use.

Adults provide a wealth of personal and professional experiences that go beyond language proficiency, making language acquisition especially significant. They are driven to interact deeply with the content because they frequently have specific objectives, like traveling, developing their careers, or strengthening their bonds with family. While a parent may prioritize conversational terms to support their child's bilingual education, a healthcare practitioner may concentrate on medical terminology to interact with patients.

Contextual learning is another area in which adults shine. They can make quick and fruitful progress if they can apply what they've learned to real-world scenarios, such as placing an order at a restaurant, negotiating in a business meeting, or comprehending cultural quirks. For example, they may notice the slight variation in formality and tone between "¿Cómo estás?" and "¿Cómo está usted?" and use the right word according to the situation.

Lastly, adults frequently contribute a cultural and emotional maturity to language learning that enhances the process. They are more able to understand the cultural subtleties that are present in language, like humor, idioms, and historical allusions. This promotes empathy and a feeling of global citizenship by strengthening their bond with the language and its speakers.

In summary, people possess the cognitive skills necessary to succeed in language acquisition as well as the life experiences that enable them to interact with languages in meaningful, transformational, and useful ways.

Cultural Immersion at Any Age: Tips for Adults

The best method to fully immerse yourself in a language is to travel overseas, but there are other options as well. In their daily lives, adults can create immersive experiences:

• Media: Watch movies, listen to podcasts, or read news in your target language. One useful bridge is subtitles.

• Cuisine: Prepare dishes from the culture you're learning about while listening to a native speaker describe them.

• Community: Participate in cultural activities or join a local language exchange club.

A retiree learning Italian who was one of my adult students created a mini-immersion space in her kitchen. She tried ordering food in Italian at nearby eateries, labeled her ingredients with Italian terms, and watched Italian cooking shows. By making the language part of her daily life, she advanced quickly—and had fun doing it.

The Power of Multilingualism: Lessons from My Journey

I have a unique viewpoint on how languages influence our thought processes because I speak multiple languages. Italian seems to be a language of emotion and narrative because of its expressive gestures and lyrical rhythm. The colorful and dynamic language of Spanish captures the variety of civilizations found throughout the Spanish-speaking globe. English is a flexible and pragmatic language that may borrow and reinvent itself like a chameleon.

These distinctions are helpful for students in addition to being fascinating. Students can identify patterns that facilitate learning by comparing languages. For example, Italian, Spanish, and French vocabulary frequently overlaps due to their shared Latin roots. Acknowledging these links boosts self-esteem and reduces the overwhelming nature of the process.

Lifelong Learning: Why the Journey Never Ends

The fact that learning a language is never really completed is one of its most lovely aspects. Despite being a native speaker of Italian, I still learn new dialects, idioms, and cultural quirks that enhance my understanding of my home tongue. Similar to English and Spanish, each interaction with a local speaker, a regional phrase, or a work of literature yields fresh perspectives.

This feeling of constant exploration is what makes learning a language so rewarding. It's more important to enjoy the trip, recognize little accomplishments, and maintain curiosity than it is to get at a goal. For instance, learning a difficult verb conjugation, discovering a new idiom when traveling, or finally getting the humor in a joke from a foreign country can all lead to a great sense of accomplishment.

Both language and our comprehension of it change throughout time. Slang appears, words get new meanings, and cultural settings change. Even proficient speakers must learn and adjust due to its dynamic character. For example, a lifelong English learner may need to stay up to date on regional expressions or internet lingo that weren't common ten years ago.

Additionally, learning a language throughout one's lifetime provides access to fresh viewpoints and experiences. It makes it possible for you to interact more thoroughly with cultures around the world, comprehend various points of view, and build stronger relationships with others. Learning a local expression while visiting a tiny village, for example, can result in genuine talks and surprising grins, overcoming verbal boundaries.

Learning a language is enjoyable because it may be integrated into various facets of life. Exploring foreign literature, watching foreign films without subtitles, or even learning the cultural background of specific phrases are all possible outcomes. Our language understanding is enhanced by this connection, which also advances our intellectual and personal development.

In the end, adopting an attitude of humility and curiosity is what it means to be a lifelong language learner. It's about realizing that there's always more to learn, whether it's a new phrase or a subtle cultural difference. Because language offers countless chances for development and connection rather than perfection, the path never stops.

Practical Tips for Starting Your Language Journey

For adults ready to dive into language learning, here are some practical tips:

• Start Small: Focus on a few phrases or words you’ll use often, like greetings or ordering food.

• Make Mistakes: Embrace errors as part of the process—they’re signs of progress.

• Stay Consistent: Practice daily, even if it’s just 15 minutes. Small, consistent efforts lead to big results.

• Have Fun: Choose materials and activities you enjoy, like music, films, or cultural events.

Conclusion

Acquiring new language skills is only one aspect of learning a new language; another is creating opportunities for new connections, experiences, and viewpoints. Being a multilingual Italian has taught me that language is the most effective means of bridging ideas, cultures, and individuals. In ways that few other technologies can, it enables us to experience the world from another person's perspective, removing boundaries and promoting understanding.

Learning a new language is like discovering a whole new world. The stories, customs, and histories that are ingrained in them are more significant than only the vocabulary and syntax. For example, being able to communicate in Spanish has allowed me to have a deeper understanding of Latin American culture, its rich literary legacy, and the variety of its regional dialects.

Similarly, becoming proficient in English has led to international discussions, scholarly possibilities, and friendships that cut across national borders.

Additionally, language serves as a bridge to empathy. You can better understand someone's culture and worldview when you take the time to understand how they convey their ideas, humor, or feelings. Relationships can grow in a way that goes beyond words because it promotes respect for one another and breaks down preconceptions.

‍Learning a language might change your perspective in addition to your cultural ties. Every language has its own idioms, logic, and conceptual frameworks that can test and broaden your cognitive capacities. For example, English's large vocabulary provides accuracy and adaptability, while Italian's musical rhythm promotes expressiveness.

You learn to adapt and think creatively by interacting with these disparities.

In the end, learning a second language is about making the world a more caring and connected place, not simply about developing oneself. Every discussion in a new language is a step closer to creating connections, bridging gaps, and appreciating the diversity's beauty. Fundamentally, language serves as a reminder of our common humanity, which makes learning it an incredibly fulfilling experience.