Starting later in life

[jlange]

I'm probably a lot older than most people here (40). And I'm just starting out in Japanese. Do you think this is worthwhile? My goal? Still not sure. I know that I'll never reach a point where I'll use the language professionally. Heck, I'm not even sure if I'll ever make it to Japan.

Thoughts?

[JohnCBriggs]

Jlangeさん,
I am 42 and I have been studying for about three years on my own and recently sat for the Level 3 JLPT test.
Personally, I enjoy studying Japanese Language and Culture because I think it is interesting. For me, it has little practical value. I used to work at a job where I went to Japan frequently, but not anymore.
It will take consistent effort over a period of years to see much progress, but it is always fun to hear people talking in a foreign language and understand some of what is being said.
But when I ask myself, is this worthwhile, I have to say compared to what? So I listen to JPOD in the car rather than the radio. Well, I don't miss out on too much. I spend my evenings studying rather than... watching TV or doing crafts or whatever. So it is really a matter of what else you might be doing with your time.
　　I say if you are interested, go for it.
じゃ　また
ジョン

[Abrassart]

So it is really a matter of what else you might be doing with your time.

Nice post ohnCBriggs. I completely agree with you on this...

[Jackleit]

四十歳ですか？赤ちゃんですよ。今年、私は五十歳になります。がんばってください。

I first became interested in Japanese when I was around 45. I'll be taking my third trip to Japan this summer, and my wife has also taken an interest so she'll know a little Japanese for the trip. And my three teenagers are learnig it as well- it's a family affair... I'm still just a beginner, but it's been a lot of fun, even thought I'm pushing the big 5-0. Go for it!

[Airth]

I say it is absolutely worth the effort, and I don't really believe that age has much to do with it. I'll be 37 next month and have no doubt that I'll be able to call myself fluent by 50. Or 60...

I have the advantage of being in Japan, but the Internet continues to offer more and more ways to put your learning into practice. At the end of the day, if you have the enthusiasm and enjoy the learning process, what is there to lose?