Beyond travel, language learning creates valuable connections

If you’re finalizing a late-summer itinerary for Paris or planning a fall foliage tour through Japan, you may be thinking about how you can best learn a little French or Japanese before you go — and with good reason. Learning a language for travel not only helps with logistics like getting directions but also fosters deeper connections with a country’s people and culture.

But adults often pursue a new language for reasons closer to home, said Liz Murphy, languages program developer for UW–Madison Continuing Education.

“According to U.S. Census data, around 9 percent of Wisconsin residents speak a language other than English at home,” Murphy noted. That offers plenty of opportunities to build connections with neighbors, coworkers or friends. 

People also learn languages to reconnect with their family heritage, gain a competitive edge at work, maintain cognitive health, build community or simply have fun learning something new.

An adult advantage

Whatever the motivation, adults have a secret weapon: an analytical mind. “Adults already have structures in place that help them learn,” Murphy explained. “You can think about language more deeply than a child can.”

The primary barrier to language learning for adults isn’t ability, but time. Murphy compares the process to working out. “You’re working a muscle. If you’ve done ‘weight training’ with a language in high school, that foundation is incredibly valuable. But you can also start from scratch — you just have to put in the work.”

Embrace the mistakes

For the self-conscious, Murphy’s best advice is to be gentle with yourself. “Mistakes are 100 percent part of the process,” she said. She recommends finding a “low-stakes” environment and tying learning to a specific goal, like an upcoming trip.

Murphy suggests aiming for consistency over perfection. “Go for the lowest-hanging fruit,” she advised. This might mean ten minutes daily on an app or turning on subtitles while watching TV to learn a language’s rhythm and cadence.

A wealth of resources

While UW–Madison Continuing Education offers a range of online and in-person language courses at all levels, Murphy also encourages learners to seek learning opportunities in their own communities.

“Look for local language clubs, which might offer activities like film nights or ‘conversation tables’ to practice your skills in a casual setting,” she said. Your local public library or community center may offer similar opportunities, while volunteering with non-English speaking communities locally is a powerful way to practice while giving back.

For those who prefer a digital approach, check out free apps like Duolingo, Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) offered by colleges or platforms like Coursera or language-learning podcasts to fill knowledge gaps on the go.

Ultimately, the journey is about more than vocabulary; it’s about the courage to connect. Murphy encourages everyone to ‘get out there and do the scary thing,’ even though you’ll make mistakes along the way. Don’t wait for the perfect time to start, she adds. Pick up an app, join a conversation table and start seeing the world through a different lens today.