If learning Xhosa has been on your mind for a while, there’s good news: you can start at any age – and you might be surprised by how well you do.
It’s true that ageing can bring changes. We may process information more slowly than we used to, and memory, hearing, or vision may not feel as sharp. But slower doesn’t mean “worse.” Often it means the brain is working with more life experience and greater knowledge to sort through. What’s also encouraging is that verbal knowledge and understanding can keep growing with age – and that supports language learning.
Research into language learning in older adults consistently points to something hopeful: there’s no cut-off point where learning becomes impossible. People in their 60s, 70s, and even 80s can successfully learn the basics of a brand-new language.
A big question researchers have explored is how older adults learn best. Some teaching methods explain grammar rules clearly and directly. Others focus on context, examples, and practice without heavy grammar instruction.
What’s fascinating is that studies with older learners show that both approaches can work well. Late-life learners often do well whether they’re taught with grammar explanations or through guided practice and exposure. That suggests something important: many older adults are independent, flexible learners.
One factor that supports language learning is confidence. When learners feel encouraged and supported, they often pick up patterns more naturally. If you’re learning a language, confidence creates momentum: you try, you improve, you feel proud of the progress, and you keep going.
If you’ve been thinking, “I’m too old to start isiXhosa,” consider this your encouragement to begin. With the right support, progress is absolutely possible at any age.
Want a genuine perspective? Read this honest, hilarious account from Janis Slingsby, one of Dr Tessa Dowling’s students, sharing her experiences learning and speaking Xhosa.
To begin your own isiXhosa journey, check out Tessa’s Speak Xhosa in Eight Weeks live online course! It’s the perfect introduction for anyone looking to learn Xhosa in a fun, practical way.
If you’re looking to take your skills further, Tessa’s Intermediate Xhosa course is designed to deepen your Xhosa fluency.
Or you can book One-on-One Xhosa lessons, tailored to your goals and learning pace. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, Tessa’s personalised lessons will help you get the most out of your learning experience.
[This article includes a shortened adaptation of “Your age shouldn’t put you off learning a new language – what the research says” by Karen Roehr-Brackin, originally published by The Conversation on 23 September 2025]
