Learning another language is a rich and rewarding experience that opens up many doors relationally. In languages like Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi and Telugu- learners gain deeper relational access to millions of native speakers through growing into these languages. The Growing Participator Approach (GPA) method for learning language and culture is a fun and effective method for all generations. However, not all learners are exactly alike. Each generation has its strengths and unique challenges. See if you identify with those of your generation and perhaps make a note to see if you can learn from the strengths of another generation to improve your own learning experience!
Baby Boomers (1946-1964)
Baby Boomers are those over 60 years of age. While many people think it is impossible to learn a new language at this age, other brave Boomers have proven them wrong! We have had several Baby Boomer learners over the years at Launch India learning Hindi and Urdu both in person and online. We are always so inspired by their eagerness to learn!
If I have learned anything from our Baby Boomer learners it is that no matter how old you are- learning should be fun! Find ways to make learning a language enjoyable! Baby Boomers are already generally strong in the areas of patience, discipline and habit. But they are also wise in knowing to prioritize things that bring them joy. So they are very relationally motivated which makes GPA a great approach for them!
Baby Boomers traditionally often grew up with languages being taught through textbooks and grammar focuses. So it is possible they may prefer these approaches. However, we have found that those of the Baby Boomer generation who find their way to Launch India to learn Hindi Urdu through GPA are eager to try a method that is focused on immersion, comprehensible input, play and relationships.
Baby Boomers may not be as natural technologically as the other generations, but though they perhaps require a little extra patience in this area- they can totally learn GPA online!
Baby Boomer Strengths:
Hardworking
Highly motivated by personal connections
What is the Baby Boomer style in learning Hindi/Urdu?
Usually they are familiar with more traditional methods such as textbooks and grammar focuses, but are happy with any method that works!
Methods heavy on technology are difficult though not impossible.
Tips for improving the Baby Boomer's GPA experience:
Give them clear meeting plans for their lessons and explain activities well.
Give lots of encouragement
If the language session is online, make sure the Nurturer has a powerful microphone so they can hear as clearly as possible
Have patience with technology as it may take more time to adjust but they can get there!
Generation X (1965-1979)
Generation X is the generation who were lucky to start having access to technology sometime in their late adolescence but whose language learning experiences would all likely have been more traditional and grammar-focused as well. But this generation was largely given a lot of freedom at home growing up which developed a largely independent generation driven by a strong sense of personal purpose.
This is one of the strengths of Gen X learning in using the GPA method to learn language- they connect their learning to a personal purpose which drives them to move forward with discipline and rigor. Gen X learners do not make up the majority of our GPA learners at Launch India, but we do have several each year. We find them to be highly motivated- though often more constrained on time due to the demands of their families and work.
Gen X Strengths:
Generally, they are highly motivated to learn
They appreciate honest feedback
What is the Gen X style in learning Hindi/Urdu?
Typically they enjoy workshops and courses
They appreciate when they can immediately apply what they are learning in sessions to their lives outside of sessions
Tips for improving the Gen X GPA experience:
They may need more flexibility with scheduling
Give lots of encouragement and honest feedback
Generation Y (Millennials) (1980-1994)
Millennials are the first of the listed generations to have grown up with technology and internet. This makes them very adept at using technology for language learning. Millennials are truly language learning multi-taskers who adapt a wide range of learning methods.
But growing up with technology and social media also has its downsides including social anxiety and increased awareness of what others think of you. In language-learning, Millennials might be more hesitant to speak for fear of making mistakes. But in GPA and any effective language learning method, speaking and making mistakes is a natural part of growing. So this generation will thrive with a Nurturer who gives lots of encouragement.
Millennial Strengths:
Good with technology
Enjoy learning
What is the Millennial style in learning Hindi/Urdu?
They enjoy hands-on activities and visuals
They appreciate when they can immediately apply what they are learning in sessions to their lives outside of sessions
Tips for improving the Millennial GPA experience:
Give lots of encouragement
Switch up the kinds of activities you do in each language session to keep their interest
Generation Z (1995-2009)
Gen Z language learners make up one of the largest groups of GPA learners of Hindi Urdu at Launch India. This group are the true digital natives who grew up plugged into a smart phone from day one. Being so digitally connected, it is the norm for this generation to see videos and cultures from around the world in their daily scroll. This has made them highly aware of appreciative towards diverse languages, cultures and contexts and also highly adaptive to whatever language learning resources are out there.
Similarly to Millennials, but perhaps to an even greater degree- Gen Z's life-long relationship with technology and social media has led to high levels of social anxiety especially when speaking. For this reason, it is so important that GPA Nurturers foster a safe environment that is focused on fun and encouragement of that which they are doing well. And it is also important for Gen Z learners in GPA to just start talking. Mind over matter. Decide that the relational and cultural benefit outweighs any discomfort in how you might appear trying to speak. And just know- scientifically- because of the age of Gen Z learners, the plasticity of their brain is the most ideal for absorbing all kinds of new information- including new languages.
Gen Z Strengths:
Digital Natives
Strong appreciation of diversity
What is the Gen Z style in learning Hindi/Urdu?
They prefer to focus on growing their skills rather than just on acquiring knowledge
They enjoy having fun while learning
They prefer collaboration in learning
Tips for improving the Gen Z GPA experience:
Give lots of encouragement
Focus on the positives and not their mistakes
Create a safe environment without stress
Generation Alpha (2010-2024)
There is still much to discover about how this young generation approaches language learning, but they show a lot of promise due to their natural curiosity and eagerness to learn.
Launch India loves providing Kids Classes both online and in person for Gen Alpha learners. We are constantly adapting our resources as we learn more about how to increase engagement and effectiveness for this new generation.
Gen Alpha Strengths:
Quickly learn and adapt to technology
What is the Gen Alpha style in learning Hindi/Urdu?
They enjoy hands-on activities and visuals
They are naturally curious so press into their questions and interests
Tips for improving the Gen Alpha GPA experience:
Give lots of encouragement
Choose activities according to their interests
This Just In! Generation Beta (2025-2039)
Only time will tell how this generation will brighten our world through the incredible power of language and relationships!
Conclusion
There is no one generation that is better or worse than another at learning language. They all have their strengths and they all have ways in which their learning is maximized. But the truth is, the success of a language learner depends much less on their age and much more on their WHY. Why are you learning Hindi Urdu? What is your motivation? Choose a method that is enjoyable for you and just keep going! The number one indicator of success in language learning is TIME SPENT LEARNING THE LANGUAGE. So don't give up! We love GPA because it is a fun and effective method enjoyed by all generations. Reach out to learn more!
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