It is easy to set goals as a beginner. You want to speak fluently, want to understand movies, or maybe just simply create a sentence. But what can you look forward to once you’ve achieved all of this?
As an advanced language learner, you can make it a goal to repeat words less and use synonyms instead, use more complex grammar tenses, and sound more like a native speaker by perfecting your pronunciation and by using sayings, idioms and colloquial expressions.
Enjoy journey again and have things to challenge yourself with. Here we go:
Perfect pronunciation
Once you get to an advanced level, it is a good time to work on sounding like a native speaker. Focus not only on being understandable but to have the perfect tone, cadence, and intonation as well.
High-level grammar
Time to dust off those fancy grammar tenses you always avoid using just to not make any mistakes. Research them, look up examples, and use them. Would you make more mistakes in the beginning? Probably. But that is the only way to get to the next level!
Ditch repetitive vocabulary
No more repeating a word a hundred times! Learn and use synonyms for words. Start with words that you use a lot. Can’t think of any? Try the words ‘good’ and ‘bad’ first. You can also randomly point at a word in a text and look up its synonyms by using the search term: Word+Synonym (for example in Portuguese: bom sinônimo) in your target language Make it a goal to not repeat words anymore.
Understand everything
This is the time to strive for perfection. Make it a goal to understand every word of a text instead of understanding the text despite a lot of new words. While for my beginner and intermediate students I recommend focusing only on useful, practical, frequently used words, as an advanced learner now is your time to go ahead and translate, learn, and use words that are part of a very specific vocabulary and are not as commonly used.
Use colloquial expressions and slang
A native speaker would typically say Mhm, My pleasure, No problem or Don’t mention it! instead of You are welcome in less formal settings. So why don’t you use these expressions as well? Stop using textbook language. Don’t shy away from using the same more relaxed, everyday language native speakers use by learning some of the expressions from movies, podcasts, shows, YouTube videos etc. If you don’t know where to start, use the following search terms: Your target language+slang (French slang) or Your target language+coloquial expressions (Korean colloquial expressions). Learn a few and see if you hear them used in conversations. It is also something you can ask a native speaker to help you with. Some might find it hard to come up with words they could teach you, so I recommend you give them a list you have found online and ask them which ones they actually use and to use them in a sentence.
Here is a fun challenge for you as a bonus. See if you can fool a native speaker. Try to deceive a native speaker by pretending you are also one and see how far you can take it. Now disclaimer: It is not for work situations, okay? For informal, easy going situations only! You can also try making YouTube videos and see what people have to say.
Happy practicing,
Zsófi
What goals did you set for yourself? I would love to hear yours!
- Advanced language learning goalsIt is easy to set goals as a beginner. You want to speak fluently, want to understand movies, or maybe just simply create a sentence. But what can you look forward to once you’ve achieved all of this? As an advanced language learner, you can make it a goal to repeat words less and use … Read moreAdvanced language learning goals
- Language learning motivation for advanced learnersSay no to monotony and lack of new impulses and challenges, and get back on track. Buckle up ’cause in no time your passion for languages will be back. I guarantee you will feel the rush of emotions you used to feel in the beginning again.
- How to learn advanced vocabularyIn order to learn advanced words, you must use advanced listening and reading resources, and once you find an unknown word you have to not only translate it but also see it in context in order to be able to use it correctly. You should also put it into practice immediately by using it in … Read moreHow to learn advanced vocabulary
Could you share some insights into effective ways for language learners to discover and integrate colloquial expressions, such as using search terms or seeking guidance from native speakers? Visit Us Telkom University
Great question! Aside from what you mentioned, watching movies is an excellent way to pick up some expressions. Look at several examples from different sources to understand how the word works. Analyze what context the word is used in. Do they use it with friends? Are they in an office when they say the word? Then create your examples and ask native speakers if the expression sounds right in your sentence. I suggest you start using new words and expressions in writing first in no-risk situations and then use them in speaking.
I hope this answers your question,
Zsófi