What does this mean?
For you, “fluency” is about having a strong language foundation and being able to have simple conversations with other speakers of the language.
Maybe you want to be able to have small talk with multi-lingual coworkers, or watch short videos with subtitles in that language and understand the gist of the content.
However you choose to measure your foundational language skills, being comfortable with the basics is your goal.
To learn more about how this relates to your language goals, keep reading!
Maybe you...
- are starting from scratch and want to build a language habit.
- learned the language in school and want to brush up on the basics.
Suggestions for reaching "fluency":
If you set mini goals, you could be on your way towards reaching your bigger goal ahead of your schedule! These smaller goals should be realistic and related to the skills you want to build. Also, it's ok if you repeat these smaller goals, but consider alternating them so that you can stay interested.
Take a look at this example:
-Month 1 [deadline]: Read and translate [number; maybe 3-5] short stories [online or from other resources].
-Month 2 [deadline]: Write at least [number] [short stories, journal entries, reviews, etc.] related to the following topics: [list of 3-5 topics that you are interested in].
-Month 3 [deadline]: Read and translate [number; maybe 3-5] short stories [online or from other resources].
-Month 4 [deadline]: Write at least [number] [short stories, journal entries, reviews, etc.] related to the following topics: [list of 3-5 topics that you are interested in].
-Month 4 [deadline] ….
Like this, you could set small and specific goals for each month (or even every two weeks) that build on each other and naturally lead you towards your version of “fluency!”
Another word of advice? Pace yourself.
Unless you have a specific reason to have a shorter deadline, 3 months with an intense study plan is the absolute minimum we would recommend for the time aspect of your ultimate goal(s). To account for flexibility in your study plan, 6 months - 1 year would be a great place to start.
S.M.A.R.T. Goal Outlines:
Here are some outlines you can use to build your own goals using the S.M.A.R.T. acronym. Choose a couple or use this as inspiration to make your own from scratch:
1. By [date], I will have a strong [language] foundation in the following topics: [list of topics you want to study]. I will measure my progress on [date] by [your method or methods of checking your progress].
2. By [date], I will be able to have a [time] minute conversation in [language] with a native speaker and get their feedback to measure my progress.
3. I will be able to watch [a video, tv show, movie, etc.] in [language] with [language] subtitles and understand the general plot by [date].
4. I will complete [resource or resources of choice] by [date] to build a stronger foundation in [language].
5. I will be able to write, read, and/or memorize scripts in the following topics by [date]: [list of topics you want to study].
Pro tip: Pair this with your results from our other quizzes to help set more specific goals, such as how often a week/month you should do study sessions!
REMEMBER!
Learning a language can teach you so many things about yourself and the world around you. Treat this wonderful opportunity like you would treat any other hobby; avoid thinking of studying as a chore.
Once you've decided on your goals, find activities that combine your interests with your needs so you can enjoy the learning process.
More about S.M.A.R.T. Goals:
That's all for this one!! Check out our other blog posts to learn even more about creating goals and solid study plans!!
Psssssst!!!
Need more? Check out our resources for PDFs, resource instructions, and a sneak peak of the content in our Spade Language Playing Cards!
Ok, now it's really done! Happy learning!
Study like a diamond ♢ Practice like a club ♣ Vibe like a heart ♡ Speak like a spade ♠
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