Why aren’t you fluent yet?
Why are you stuck? What’s holding you back from reaching an advanced level? The answer will be different for everyone, but here are common obstacles I’ve seen.
Reason 1: You haven’t had an intensive burst in a long time
This is usually what it is for me. If I’m feeling stuck, I plan an intensive burst of studying for at least 2 weeks. That gets things flowing again.
Reason 2: You stopped challenging yourself and are just going through the motions
You’re using the same learning strategies as you used to. They worked in the past, but now they don’t. For example, I used to take free-flowing conversation lessons when I had an upper-beginner Mandarin level. Now that I have an upper-intermediate level, such lessons would not be nearly as helpful anymore.
Switch things up. Try different learning methods and/or harder materials.
Reason 3: You’re impatient or have unrealistic expectations
How long has it taken you to reach your current intermediate level? Expect to spend that same amount of time to reach an advanced level. For example, if it took you 4 years of consistent study to reach an intermediate level, it will take approximately 4 more years before you have an advanced level (unless you increase the intensity of your studies, of course.)
Reason 4: You already have an advanced level, but are not confident in your abilities
I had a French student once who seemingly became fluent “overnight.” She showed up to class and was suddenly way more fluent than she’d ever been. When I asked her what had changed, she told me that she had a conversation with a francophone acquaintance. The conversation went smoothly. Therefore, it dawned on my student that she could in fact speak French in the real world. She had proven herself to herself.
After that, she gained a significant boost in confidence which translated into a sudden boost in fluency.
Do any of these resonate with you?
Or maybe you think something else is holding you back? At any rate, let me know! I’d love to hear your thoughts.
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I think I’m a number two.