Don’t mind the title. I’m not trying to change what has been written in the dictionary. It’s more of redefining your own definition of fluency. I’ve been chatting for quite a while with lots of my fellow language learners and I noticed a pattern.
If you were to ask people their definition of fluency, I’m sure this would be on the list - to be able to speak smoothly without any mistakes and have a native-like accent.
That’s pretty much the standard definition of fluency and I used to believe in this one too.
However, it changed once I started learning Spanish. You can’t simply label fluency by just that. There are a lot of things you should take into account before determining the definition.
When my friend asked, “So, are you fluent in Spanish now?” I said not really. I can have a basic conversation but that’s about it. This made me question myself.
What’s my definition of fluency? I realized all this time, I let the dictionary define the definition for me.
Now, it’s time for me to redefine it.
So the idea that, because you speak lots of languages you should be able to say something on request or instantly start up a conversation is wrong. You’re not necessarily going to be able to pull it off, in my opinion. - blog.thelinguist.com
I started to have all of these what-if questions… this is where the “pattern” starts to connect.
I can go on and list the rest of the ‘what ifs’ but these are on the top of my list. My answer to all of the above is yes. Simply because...
The main problem is everyone has their own definition of fluency. Thus, when we say we are fluent in a certain language, they might end up asking “Is that what you called fluently?”
All this confusion happens because our definitions and theirs are totally different. So, who’s to blame? The dictionary?
Another thing people will notice when speaking in foreign languages is the accent. Apparently, some people have a thing for this one (including me).
I kind of brainwash my brain that if you’re not good with grammar, at least, you have to have perfect pronunciation. You may be good with grammar but if your pronunciation is all over the place no one is going to understand you.
This is just from my point of view so please don’t judge me on this one. I’d like to know your perspective on this topic. Let me know in the comment below.
©2024 Together We Learn More
©2024 Together We Learn More
Fadhil says:
It is a great artilce in challenging the definition the word fluent.
For me i think if anyone could talk to anybody in any languages and the other person can understood what are being said where no formality is needed such in an academic forum or governmental meeting that person can already be categorized as fluent.
Ashley says:
Hey there, I really loved your fluency article, I’m a huge fan of languages so obviously, being fluent is something that interests me a lot.
I’ve noticed many times (in my case), that I sometimes can speak that language I’m learning in my mind. It’s like thinking about something, and not doing it in my native language, but in another language. And that is for me a big sign of fluency.
Obviously, speaking without any long pauses and with right pronunciations are the main signs of fluency, the ones I also use as parameters for me.
But thanks a lot for making me think about this, I learned something new today 🙂
Boyo says:
Hey Meina,
Interesting article that struck a chord with me. I would consider myself fluent in English and in Welsh. I am comfortable and happy to converse, read or write in both languages and can appreciate the different nuances of local dialects etc.
However, my own definition of fluency has begun to change recently. Over the past few years I have been studying French. I am happy in social situations with the French and can comfortably spend a day working in a French speaking office.
But, would I consider myself fluent? No, I wouldn’t. Simply because there are still so many terms that I don’t understand. I can really struggle with legal documents and technical terms etc There are also lots of local language variations and slang words that go over my head! And it is for this reason that I don’t believe I am fluent (perhaps I’m being too hard on myself?)
The concept of fluency is probably a personal thing and it doesn’t really matter too much as long as we are comfortable communicating with each other 🙂
Thanks for sharing.
Chun says:
Exciting topic. I always think about why the word fluent so important that some school’s debate competition always emphasize that word. Fluent is good and sound nice. But language created for us to communicate, not to speak fluently. Communication is about two person. Understanding what the other people said is far more important. That’s the purpose language designed. Thanks for awesome article.
Chun
Rachel says:
On the dot, Meina.
As a bilingual speaker that grow up in a bilingual environment, I hesitate to call myself fluent in two languages – simply because there are always times when I feel that a phrase in one language is more accurate when I am speaking in another – what’s worse, I can’t find an accurate translation of it!!
That’s even worse when it comes to languages that split into current and ancient – like Mandarin. Fluent in the Mandarin that we currently use does not mean that you can read and understand the same passage written in ancient Chinese. Oh hell.
In any case, I totally agree that if the pronunciation is off the dot, well, there’s really no way someone can understand what you are saying, lol.