3561. On How to Gain Fluency at Speaking in a Foreign Language: An Example

Let’s continue studying what H. D. Brown suggests for learning a language, which amounts to some very useful ideas. 

The key point is that the learner who achieves to learn that tongue has to be one that takes initiatives, and actually and really wishes to learn. That person is very active: no firm resolutions, no learning. On the contrary, if he or she plunges into the cold lake, they will for sure attain to learn that language. 

I know a friend of mine who currently has an advanced English level. He has taken and made the resolution of working on a method which includes a textbook of CEFR level C1. 

CEFR stands for Common European Framework of Reference for languages, where C1 is advanced and C2 – the top one – requires proficiency by the learner, so very advanced, so as to say. 

Well, you know, he practices the four language skills, listening, speaking, reading and writing. Since he is almost locked down by the pandemics, he practices speaking on his own, this is, he does the activities of speaking from the textbook by speaking or thinking of the actual words he would say if he were in a classroom with other peers. 

And I can assure you he’s gaining more and more fluency at speaking – internally. 

Next post I’d like to tell you about other characteristics the authentic language learner has, taken from our author H. D. Brown – for references see last post. 

Have a nice week and take care. Something I’d also like to say is that that friend of ours who’s learning English and about whom I’ve told you on this post does have C2 already, but the method he has is C1: he says in that way he revises and reinforces his already achieved level. He does not waste time.

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