Just how fluent am I, really? 🤔

Five questions for you to self-assess your second language fluency, along with research recommendations from the top linguists.

"What do you mean you're not fluent yet? You've been in Japan forever!" 

I'll be the first to admit that this is one of the comments that make me feel defeated, especially when I tell people I have a long way to go before becoming proficient in Japanese. Having worked in Japan for several years now, one would think that I would have already mastered the language. Even if I grew up bilingual, acquiring fluency in a third language is more challenging than one would think. 

Most of us know that language learning is a complex process involving various skills and abilities. Among these, accuracy and fluency are crucial aspects that often cause confusion among learners and educators alike. While accuracy and fluency are essential for effective communication in a second language, they represent different dimensions of proficiency.

Fluency:

1. Fluency is the ability to communicate smoothly, effortlessly, and naturally in a language.

2. It encompasses aspects such as speaking at a natural pace, using appropriate intonation and rhythm, and expressing ideas coherently.

3. Fluent speakers can understand and respond quickly in real-time conversations without frequent hesitations or disruptions.

4. Fluency emphasizes effective communication and the ability to convey thoughts and ideas fluidly.

Accuracy:

1. Accuracy refers to the correctness and precision of language use in terms of grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and sentence structure.

2. It involves using the language according to its rules and conventions, adhering to grammatical principles, and selecting appropriate vocabulary.

3. Accurate language use helps to convey information clearly and avoids misunderstandings or misinterpretations.

4. Accuracy is essential in formal contexts, such as academic writing, business communication, or legal documents, where precision and clarity are essential.

Finding the right balance between fluency and accuracy is crucial in language learning. While fluency facilitates effective communication and natural expression, accuracy ensures clarity and correctness in language use. Achieving a balance involves practicing and developing both aspects through meaningful communication, exposure to the language, and explicit instruction on grammar and vocabulary. To develop both, you must intentionally immerse yourself in the language and access quality instruction and feedback. 

What do the experts say about developing fluency and accuracy?

Experts generally agree that fluency and accuracy in a language is vital for learning. However, which one to focus on depends on the situation and goals. Placing a heavy emphasis on accuracy can create anxiety and self-consciousness in learners. However, overemphasizing fluency at the expense of accuracy may lead to reinforcing errors resulting in fossilization. 

Here are a few opinions from language experts: 

1. Dr. Rod Ellis: Dr. Ellis, a prominent researcher in second language acquisition, suggests that early stages of language learning should prioritize fluency over accuracy. He argues that learners should focus on developing communication skills and gaining confidence in language use before becoming overly concerned with accuracy.

2. Dr. Diane Larsen-Freeman: Another influential researcher, Dr. Larsen-Freeman, promotes an integrated approach combining fluency and accuracy. She advocates for allowing learners to develop fluency through meaningful communication while offering explicit instruction on grammar and accuracy.

3. Dr. Andrew Cohen: Dr. Cohen, an expert in applied linguistics, proposes that fluency should be prioritized initially, but accuracy should be addressed. He suggests gradually shifting the focus from fluency to accuracy as learners progress in their language proficiency.

These perspectives demonstrate that experts recognize the importance of fluency and accuracy in language learning. The emphasis may vary depending on proficiency level, learning context, and learner goals. It is generally recommended to strike a balance between the two, developing fluency to facilitate effective communication while also working on accuracy to ensure clear and precise language use.

How do I approximately gauge my current fluency?

Here are five questions that can help you self-assess your fluency level in any language. Whether you're an intermediate learner looking to improve your skills or a beginner just starting out, these will provide insights into your progress and help identify areas for improvement. You can find the Instagram infographic here.

1. Can I understand my target language in various contexts and topics without difficulty? This means comprehending spoken language across different situations, such as conversations, lectures, or presentations, and on multiple topics. It indicates the ability to understand the content, follow the context, and grasp the main ideas without encountering significant difficulties.

2. Can I express myself in my target language and clearly convey my thoughts and opinions? Fluent speakers can express their thoughts, ideas, and opinions in the target language clearly and coherently. They can organize their thoughts, use appropriate language structures, and convey their intended message effectively to others.

3. Am I comfortable with different registers and styles of language, such as formal, informal, and professional? Language fluency extends to being comfortable with different registers and styles of language. It means adapting the language to different social contexts, such as using appropriate language in formal or informal settings and adjusting the tone, vocabulary, and style of speech to fit the specific situation.

4. Do I possess a range of vocabulary I can use appropriately in different situations? Language fluency entails having an extensive vocabulary and using it appropriately in various contexts. This includes knowing a wide range of words, phrases, and expressions and selecting the most suitable ones to convey precise meaning and accurately communicate in different situations.

5. Can I engage in conversations with native speakers and follow the flow of dialogue, understanding both explicit and implied meanings? Fluency involves actively participating in conversations with native speakers and understanding the explicit meanings and implied messages, tone, and nuances. It includes following the natural flow of dialogue, responding appropriately, and comprehending the intended meanings beyond literal interpretation.

How'd you fare? Personally, while I still struggle with overall accuracy and understanding keigo, I find myself being able to follow through with conversations more. I am currently thinking of ways to smooth out my grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation studies to allow for more nuanced and sophisticated communication to convey subtleties and nuances of my output, similar to how native speakers do it.