Additional Language Learning in Midlife by Lifestyle Migrants

The proposed MIDLIFE project is the first to explore middle-aged
migrants’ acquisition of German as a second language (L2), and also the
first project internationally to home in on language learning explicitly in
midlife. Using a cross-sectional observational design, the study’s
emphasis is on (1) identifying socioaffective, contextual, migratory, and
experiential factors that contribute to explaining differential patterns of
L2 development in middle-aged L2 German learners and (2) addressing
the question of how additional language learning benefits them in terms
of increased wellbeing, life satisfaction, and in general their ability to
function in society. Data from this integrative investigation will make a
substantial contribution to research on language learning in adulthood as
well as (psycho)social aspects of healthy aging in the migratory context.