Become a Fluent Speaker

When you’re learning a new language, it’s important to have a range of tools at your disposal. Not only do you need to learn new vocabulary and syntax, but you’ll also need to work on your fluency and pronunciation. With an ever-increasing array of options to choose from, here are 11 tools to help you build up your fluency in your new language.

1. Focus On The Most Common Words

Whilst learning verbs and tenses will definitely be useful in the long run, it doesn’t often tend to engage new language learners very much. I also found that it didn’t give me the flexibility to actually start attempting to have a conversation with another person.

Instead, a useful strategy to become a fluent speaker is to find out what the 2,000 most common words in your new language are and start with these. By focusing on these common words, you’ll be much more likely to be able to start to understand and interact (however simply) with other people. It will boost your confidence and give you a foundation from which to effectively build the rest of your understanding upon.

2. Arm Yourself With A Set Of Core Phrases

One of the most reliable and helpful techniques I’ve used when learning a new language is to arm myself with some core phrases. These can be the difference between complete memory blocks and the ability to have a conversation with a native speaker. One of the most useful phrases I’ve found is “Can you speak a little slower please?” 

When you learn a new language, you also have to train your ears to not only interpret and understand everything, but actually distinguish between individual sounds. Let’s be honest, sometimes two sounds that seem completely different to native speakers can sound very similar (almost identical) to those learning the language. It’s perfectly acceptable, even expected, that you might ask others to slow down their speech. Also, don’t be afraid to ask someone to repeat what they said, as it will help you become a fluent speaker.

3. View Streamed/Recorded Lessons Online

There are a range of websites which offer streamed or recorded lessons online. But if you’re looking a free, easy to access online lesson service, then look no further than YouTube. You won’t be short of choice, as there are videos and tutorials readily available for a range of languages. Another option is iTunes, where you’ll also be spoilt for choice. Even better, you can watch the videos on your mobile devices, meaning you can learn on the go.

4. Immerse Yourself In The Language To Become A Fluent Speaker

One of the best ways to build up fluency, increase language acquisition and improve your vocabulary is to immerse yourself as fully as possible in your language of choice. If you can afford it, of one the most fun and effective ways I’ve found to do is, is to visit a country where they speak your new language. You’ll have a holiday and be working on your language learning at the same time!

Challenge yourself to speak in your new language to become a fluent speaker. Don’t worry about making mistakes or mispronouncing words! Just give it a go and you’ll find that you soon start to become more confident and better able to communicate. 

It’s also a great opportunity to spend some time hearing native speakers actually talking in their mother tongue. Try to listen to the way they pronounce words and any colloquialisms that they may use. From my experience, it’s a great chance to become more familiar with the rhythm and speed of the language, which can help you speak more naturally too.

5. Join A Language Exchange Community Site

Nothing beats having a conversation with a native speaker to help you improve your language acquisition. Not only will you get the opportunity to increase your vocabulary, you’ll also get the chance to learn colloquialisms, become more fluent and even be able to work on your accent.

There are a number of language exchange websites where you can connect with native speakers and have an online conversation. Even better, your speaking partner is likely to be trying to learn your language too, so you’ll both be able to offer each other tips, and maybe even form new friendships. 

6. Attend A Language Club To Become A Fluent Speaker

Many major cities will have a language club, so it’s worth doing a little research and seeing if there’s one near you. In my experience, language clubs are a great way to meet new people and interact with others in a relaxed and friendly setting. They provide the perfect opportunity for people to meet up and practice their language skills.

7. Download A Language App

Of course, like most things today, there are a whole range of language learning apps to choose from. Even better, many of them are totally free, giving you the freedom to choose and explore one that works best for you. I found apps to be a great choice, especially at the start of the language learning journey because they can be accessed anywhere, at any time. For me, an app was much easier to fit around my lifestyle and schedule.

“The best language apps are the ones that offer a variety of learning outcomes,” says Patricia Benson, an educator at Origin Writings and Brit Student. “You want to choose an app that not only teaches you new vocabulary, but also provides opportunities for you to apply this and to measure your development. Look for apps that have quizzes and games, or which allow you to connect to other users, so you can practice together.”

8. Watch Movies, Listen To Music And Podcasts

Learning a new language doesn’t have to be all work and no play. Instead of just sticking to structured learning programs, spend some time watching movies, funny videos and listening to music in your chosen language. It’s also useful to make a note of any words you don’t recognize as you sing along to new tunes! 

Another option is to listen to a podcast in your new language. There are plenty of topics to choose from, so pick one that you find interesting. For me, listening to the new language in a meaningful context helped to improve my understanding and pronunciation.

9. Read Books And Other Texts To Become A Fluent Speaker

Not a fan of going digital? Then pick up a book to become a fluent speaker! Reading in your new language is another brilliant way to improve your vocabulary and help you to get a better grasp of sentence structure and syntax. You can start off by reading easy language books, or even reading dual language books. 

You might also want to join a book club. Not only will this give you the opportunity to read in your new language, but you’ll get the chance to interact with others, helping you learn even more. Don’t forget that reading doesn’t have to be limited to just books. You can have a go at reading magazines, newspapers, blogs or articles online too.

10. Use Flashcards

One of the most popular ways to learn a new language by far, is the tried and tested flashcard. If you like having your language learning in your pocket, there are a number of language flashcard apps that you might want to consider using.

“Flashcards are popular and effective because they help you to review information easily, such as new vocabulary. Most importantly, they help to commit this information to your long-term memory. Of course, they’re only effective if you use them consistently as part of a study schedule,” says Harry Whittaker, a journalist at 1 Day 2 write and Write my X.

11. Practice Everyday To Become A Fluent Speaker

Language learning can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it also requires commitment and dedication. If you’re serious about learning a new language, then you need to make sure that you have some consistent, dedicated time devoted to it every day. It doesn’t have to be a long block of time, but it needs to be a part of your daily routine.

You may have a class, language group or online community that you attend on a regular basis. But if you want to improve, then you need to get into the habit of practicing every day, so make time in your daily schedule for some language study. 

Personally, I found it most useful to do this first thing in the morning or in my lunch break. Another good option is to learn on the go (such as during your commute) by using one of the many language apps available. Whichever tool and option you choose, make sure it’s something that you do daily.

What Really Helps You Become A Fluent Speaker?

There have never been more tools and options available to help you learn a new language! From apps to videos, books to language clubs, whatever your preferred learning method, there is bound to be an option that suits your style. For your best chance at improving quickly and effectively in your new language, make sure that you turn language learning into a daily habit. Wherever possible, try to interact with other speakers to help improve your pronunciation and confidence. Above all, have fun and enjoy the new worlds and experiences another language can help to reach!

George J. Newton is an experienced business development manager at Dissertation writing service and Thesis writing service. George has been married for ten years, and he and his wife enjoy exploring and learning new languages. In his spare time, he enjoys travelling with his family and immersing himself in the culture, traditions and language of the places he visits. He also writes for Next Coursework.