It was easy for me to set goals as a beginner. I wanted to create a simple sentence speak, then understand movies, and speak fluently. But once I spoke my target language at advanced level, like many other language learners, I didn’t know how to move forward.
Until I figured out that:
As an advanced language learner, 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.
Higher-level grammar
Time to dust off those fancy grammar tenses you always avoid using in order to avoid making 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 basic 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
The time has arrived 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 as a teacher, for my beginner and intermediate students I recommend focusing only on useful, practical, frequently used words, I encourage my advanced students 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 you hear in 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.
Happy practicing,
Zsófi
What goals did you set for yourself? I would love to hear yours!
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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