For many language learners the goal is to be fluent in their target language. I have another post here about the different types of goals for language learning you can have. But back to the goal of fluency.

But what does it mean to be fluent? 

Some people define fluency as speaking as well as a native speaker, some people define it as being able to communicate easily with a native speaker and others define it as being A1 on a standard test.

While defining fluency as speaking, as well as a native speaker, is a very lofty goal, it’s also incredibly difficult. Not only do you have to have the right vocabulary and grammar, but the right accent and the right colloquialism and knowledge of whichever area you’re speaking of. For example, being a native Swiss German speaker means something different in Zürich or Aargau or Bern.

If your goal is to score a certain level on a standardized test, that’s also a different set of knowledge focusing on high German as it’s called Hoch Deutsch, which is the academic German. 

For now we will focus on the goal of being able to communicate easily with a native speaker. 

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What Is Language Fluency?

Merriam Webster online defines fluency as “capable of using a language easily and accurately.”

Accuracy is correct grammar and vocabulary with minimal errors if any. Even native speakers of any language make mistakes! 

Easily is a subjective term so let’s look at some questions to help you determine that:  

How well and quickly do I understand what’s said?

Language processing starts with comprehension so the first question to ask yourself: how much do you understand in your target language? 

Do you need a long time to process what was said? 

Do you need the phrase repeated a few times? 

Can you understand both written and spoken language? – Some people are visual learners and seeing the phrase helps them understand it faster but that’s not always practical. 

Can native speakers understand what I’m saying?

Remember, one standard of fluency is speaking like a native speaker. So it’s fair that the first question asks can a native speaker understand me?

This question relies more on accuracy than ease, but also takes your confidence into account. 

Questions to ask yourself: 

Are you pronouncing the words correctly? 

Are you using the correct vocabulary words and grammar structure? 

Is your speech full of stutters or is it sure? 

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Do I feel at ease speaking in my target language?

The next reflection question is: do you feel at ease or confident speaking in your target language? 

Are the words you need at the tip of your tongue or stuck somewhere in the back of your head? 

You should feel comfortable using much if not all the grammar rules and a lot of vocabulary in your target language. Your confidence comes from knowledge and practice and shows in your speech. 

Fun fact: Even natives don’t have perfect vocabulary knowledge! 

Can You Achieve Fluency in a Foreign Language?

You most certainly can achieve fluency in more than one language! 

Much of the population of Europe is fluent in at least two languages. 

How Can You Become Fluent?

Fluency is not a race to the finish line. It’s a skill, once developed, requiring consistent use and practice. 

To achieve fluency: 

You need lessons in the grammar rules and pronunciation

You need to build your vocabulary 

And of course lots and lots of practice in all modes of communication (reading, writing, listening, and speaking). 

There are many tools to get you started from apps like Duolingo, to my preschool program but starting isn’t always the hardest part. 

Pen pals or speaking pals are valuable for building that confidence and ease. A teacher can help build your grammar and cultural knowledge. Both are useful for pronunciation. Reading books or news articles and watching TV shows can help build vocabulary. 

There are many parts to learning another language, let alone fluency, but it can take a lot of time and effort. 

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Do I need to be fluent in a second language? 

With all the desire and work required to become fluent in a second language, the question arises: do I need to be fluent? 

No you don’t need to be fluent, unless that’s your goal. 

Many goals don’t require fluency to be successful, like travel: you just need some phrases. 

Many people can be competent in a second language without being fluent. 

Reflect on your goal for fluency and what does fluency mean to you? 

Use that to guide your next steps in language learning and good luck on your journey! 

Comment below your goal and what language you’re learning! 

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