Learning a new language is no easy feat. To make sense of all the pronunciation, structure and grammar it takes diligence and determination – making it stick is another thing altogether. So while feminine and masculine nouns might be motivating you to pack-up and leave, there are a few reasons for why you should stick around.

The main one we all know is that learning a language is a major asset, career-wise and travel-wise. Despite English becoming the most internationally spoken language in the world, being proficient in a different language is always of benefit. But the trials and tribulations of language classes, textbooks and those dreaded call and response audio tutorials can be super demotivating. Say goodbye to those dreams of working in Hong Kong or impressing the locals in Tuscany!

But what if things could be broken-down a little more? It turns out the language you choose to learn, your access to resources like books and classes and your age can all influence just how easy (or hard!) your language-learning journey might be.

Tess spoke with Ingrid Piller, professor of Applied Linguistics at Macquarie University, to find out more.