How Can You Become Fluent in a Foreign Language?



The quick answer on how to become fluent in a foreign language is that it is a matter of motivation. Having seen a lot of language learners, I am convinced that motivated learners achieve fluency, and unmotivated learners don’t.

Motivation is the driver of success in language learning; the magic ingredient in any learner’s quest for fluency.

Can I become fluent in a foreign language? 
If your answer to this question is no, then you are best to stop trying. If you don’t believe that you can reach the destination in your journey, why start? On the other hand, if you believe you can become fluent in a foreign language, you are well on your way to achieving fluency.

If you have never learned a foreign language, you may not have the confidence that you are a competent language learner, that you can achieve fluency. I have never doubted my ability to learn another language.

Unfortunately it is only possible to acquire this sense of confidence after having learned at least one language. Then the more languages you learn, the more competent and confident you become.

I firmly believe that we all have the innate ability to learn foreign languages. We just need to believe in ourselves, and stay with the process. We just need to develop new habits and give ourselves the benefit of the doubt.

There is a condition. Just as with embarking on a journey, when you decide to learn a language, you accept responsibility for reaching your target. In other words you have to take charge. You have to become and an autonomous learner.

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