The Mission Impossible of learning a foreign language: Fluency. At least it looks like that to the students that aren't fluent yet. What can you do?
The first encounter out of the classroom
If you have learned a language for a few years, you expect that you know it. And then, suddenly you meet a native speaker and they ask you: Hi, can you tell me where is the mall? How do you feel? Frozen? Stuck? Did you answer like in your fantasies?
"Aaagh... Links... ah.. nein.. rechts zwei... Do you speak English?"
Usually, the first conversations out of the safety of the classroom sound like this. And believe it or not, that's ok. There is nothing wrong with you.
What have you completed until today?
If it is an intense class, in the first year you learn the structure of the whole language, grammar, voice... almost everything. The first more serious exercises come approximately after the first month. After the third month, you can probably answer and pose questions like "Where is the museum?" independently. So you have had speaking practice every working day for about 6 months, and you are so sure that you know it all... and when that encounter out of the classroom finally happens - you are speechless. Fluency is a hard lady to charm.
Setting realistic fluency expectations
Fluency is the jewel on the crown of speaking a second language. It's a skill that comes after a lot of practice and actual stress. The thing is, learning, in theory, will make new pathways in your brain, but the strong pathways that you need for fluency can be built only with exposure and stress.
The single proven action that you can take, to reach the level of fluency that you need is speaking with natives. There is nothing stronger, more stressful, and more effective than hearing the language in its native form and having to respond. So do that, at least for one hour a day for a month or two, and you will be a fluent speaker. Ignore the fear, don't overthink it, just find a native speaker and pose a question.
Where to find a native speaker? Well, we will be able to offer one-on-one sessions with native speakers in the near future, but until then, there are many other platforms where you can book a session with someone just for the sake of practicing the language.
By practicing speech with a native, you will, in time, overcome all fluency difficulties. The words will start coming to you in full phrases, you will stop overthinking the grammar and your pronunciation will improve.
Probably long after you become fluent, you still won't be perfect, but people will be able to fully understand you. Also, you will not make any significant mistakes. That is what fluency is all about.
Dealing with anxiety and perfectionism
There is no easy way to build strong pathways in your brain. So use the fear and anxiety of the first conversations for your benefit. Be consistent in the attempts and make sure that you put yourself under enough pressure, so the conversation will leave a strong mark in your brain. This is the shortest path to fluency.
Other helpful tips:
- get exposed to the language
- practice in front of a mirror
- simplicity is your friend
- be regular
- get enough sleep
- celebrate small achievements
Conclusion
The secret formula to fluency is a combination of "Practice makes perfect" and "what does not kill you will make you stronger". It sounds harsh, but in reality, it is easily obtainable.