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Black Girls Learn Languages

A multi-platform digital community for Black women who love languages.

12/17/2018

3 Things No One Tells You About Fluency

​Many people shy away from using the word “fluent” to describe their foreign language skills. It seems to be one of those elusive dangling carrots that we, as language learning rabbits, always seem to be in pursuit of and never seem to be able catch. 





​This is because a lot of people (both language learners and multilinguals alike), have the wrong idea about what it means to be “fluent”. By refusing to identify as a "fluent" speaker, many multilinguals downplay their skills this way. This can send the wrong message about your proficiency level. If you want to send the right message, you must first understand what it really means to be fluent. Here are 3 things no one tells you about language fluency:
​
  1. Fluency does NOT necessarily mean native or near-native skills. Many people assume that fluency = near native level. That couldn’t be further from the truth. On the most basic level, fluency means that you can speak a language easily and well. This can be done with only a core vocabulary of the most commonly used words. It can be anywhere from 1500-5000 words, depending upon the language. You don’t have to know every single word in the target language, because natives don’t even know all of them. The important thing is that you can speak with ease and you can use context clues to extrapolate the meaning of new words used by natives in conversation.
  2. There are levels to this. There are different degrees of fluency. There are those who can communicate with ease. They usually have achieved upper B1/lower B2 comprehension. Then, there are those who communicate easily and articulately, who have usually achieved upper B2/lower C1 comprehension. There are also those who communicate near native level to native level (upper C1/C2) comprehension. Which one are you?
  3. Fluency is relative. Keep that in mind, when talking to people who don’t speak your target language. For example, when a person, who does not speak German, asks me if am I fluent, I always say yes and never hesitate. Why? Because in my opinion (and the opinion of many Germans), I am. I can do many daily routine things without the assistance of a language dictionary. I can go to the store, I can ask for directions, I can go on a date (see one of my previous posts on dating in a foreign language ‘cause I’ve went on plenty), I can listen to podcasts, watch TV, talk to people, etc. I’ve even worked for a German company and have worked in German language working environments! I’m a whole lot further along than the 82% of Americans who don’t even speak a foreign language. So are you.

Even if you have a modest vocabulary of 1500-3000, how easily you can communicate (understand and speak) determines your fluency level. I hope this gives you something to think about regarding your language level. So, stop saying you’re not fluent and own your fluency.
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bilingual black women, fluency, foreign language, multilingual black women, what they don't tell you about fluency, what you should know about fluency
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12/16/2018

Fluent In 8 Months? How This Busy Professional Finds Time For Languages


When I first connected with Clara online, she didn’t really speak much German. She could say some words but I could see she had a strong desire to learn and was determined. Now, she is almost native level.
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bilingual black women, black and abroad, black girl magic, black girls learn languages, black girls travel, black girls travel too, multilingual black women, nigerian
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12/09/2018

It’s All Greek To Her-How This Nigerian-Greek Yogi Is Healing the World


I’ve heard of showstoppers, gamechangers and other people who have amassed a prestige and a success in unconventional ways. But what about people who changed the world by healing one person at a time? I caught up with Adeola Aderemi, founder of the media collective, Distinguished Diva, to share her language learning experiences and how she touches the lives of others.

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bilingual black women, black and abroad, black girls learn languages, black girls travel, greece, multilingual black women, nigerian-greek, united nations mercy corps, yoga, yogi
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About BGLL
Welcome to Black Girls Learn Languages, the FIRST multi-platform digital community for Black women who are passionate about languages.

On this site, you'll find resources to help you with different languages as well as interviews featuring successful black multilinginguals complete with their tips to keep you encouraged, inspired and motivated on your language learning journey!

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About The Creator




Hi, I'm Language Bae! I'm a Foreign Language Enthusiast and an aspiring Polyglot.

I created this digital community to be THE online resource for black women in the language community who are either language learners, language enthusiasts or linguistas--women who have mastered language. My goal is to inspire and encourage black women in the language community by celebrating images of us as multilinguals and allowing us to connect with each other.

I aim to provide guidance and support with helpful tips, resources and content to those pursuing multilingualism. Language learning is a journey not a destination. Let's make this journey together.

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