Overcome the intermediate language learning plateau

Get to understand what intermediate language learning plateau is, what causes it, and how to overcome it by switching up some simple things.

What is language learning plateau?

It is a state when after constant improvement you suddenly don’t experience rapid growth anymore. You may feel like no matter how many tasks and exercises you do, you are not able to express yourself any better in your target language than you used to a while ago.

Sounds like your situation?

It is so frustrating because you work hard but can’t see the fruit of your labor. It is also infuriating because you used to soak up knowledge and improve like crazy and now you are stuck. Before we get into it further I must add, it is completely natural, and a normal part of the process! So why is it happening to you?

What causes a plateau in language learning?

It can be caused by monotony when it comes to the type of exercises you do, the resources you use, and the way you practice. Using the same material, resources and doing the same tasks over and over again can cause stagnancy in your language learning.

You can rest assured that your language learning abilities very likely have not changed! Don’t worry, it’s not you, it’s that you use the same YouTube channel to practice listening, the same type of exercises to practice speaking and talk only with fellow learners of your target language.

Ok, but what should you do?

How do you overcome it?

In order to overcome it, you must change the way you practice and the materials you use. When you switch levels you should change the level of the materials and resources you practice with as well.

In order to improve further try this:

• Change the type of words you learn: Instead of the practical, everyday words you are used to learning, try to incorporate more abstract words, that you might not use as often but help to express yourself more eloquently. As an intermediate speaker your goal was to speak confidently about everyday topics and to be able to get around in real life situations without any problem. But, as an advanced speaker you are going to have to talk about more abstact topics and share your opinion on some intellectual matters. These things require a very different set of vocabulary than the previous more practical subjects. Learn more formal words and phrases and colloquial expressions to fit your new needs. How can you pick up and build such vocabulary? By changing your resources!
• Change your resources: Try to find resorces of all kind (reading and listening) that are on more advanced subjects. The type of podcasts you listen to that were awesome for your beginner and intermediate stages might not work for you anymore. Try reading fine literature instead of gossip magazines, listen to lectures or documentaries about topics that interest you. Follow people on social media that talk about such topics. Look for informative YouTube channel on topics like finances, biology, literature and any science. Read the news in your target language. You want to switch from everday practical topics to more advanced, abstact ones.
• Change the way you practice: Find more advanced topics you can write or speak about. Once your input is more fit to your advanced needs, it’s time to change your output as well. An exaple from an actual language exam: intermediate topic would be: Family holidays and important days, but the advaced topic is: The importance of holidays and celebrations in society and in the life of an individual. See? There is a difference. Try keeping this in mind when looking for material or tasks to practice with.
• Talk to native speakers: Instead of talking to fellow learners try to talk more with native speakers. It helps to improve your pronunciation, as you will be exposed to correct pronunciation more. You can also add cool new words to your vocaulary, and improve your listening. You also should try to talk about more advanced topics with them. Look up some fun debate topics and have a discussion about it. Here are some examples, just to give you ideas: Junk food should not be banned in schools.; Can parents instill motivation and ambition in their children?; What makes a university well-known and successful?
• Add new type of tasks to your rutine: If you take a look at an advanced level language exam, you will see that there are some new types of tasks compared to the intermediate one. You may find that you have to compose essays in the writing part. So aside from the usual letter writing, you might have to write a magazine article, blog post or any other type of essay. Incorporate it into your pratice rutine.

WARNING!

Once you start implementing advanced materials and resources and start practicing you might end up feeling like you not only are not progressing but straight up regressing… You might have trouble with reading, writing listening, and even speaking again.

It is totally okay, normal, and expected.

You have to gradually adapt to a higher level and you can’t forget that you are doing new things you have not done before.

I know, I know. I do not want to scare you but I do want you to be prepared. Once you know it’s part of the game, and know that it is just a phase you are more likely to persist and improve to even more advanced levels!

Wishing you success,

Zsófi

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