Learning a new language can be a daunting task, especially when you’re trying to figure out just how much time and effort it will take to become fluent. The good news is that with the right approach and dedication, it’s possible to learn a new language in a relatively short amount of time. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the factors that impact language learning and help you determine a realistic timeline for achieving fluency.
Factors that Impact Language Learning
Before we dive into the time frame for learning a language, let’s take a look at some of the factors that impact language learning. These include:
- Age: Children have a natural advantage when it comes to learning a new language, as their brains are more flexible and absorb information more quickly. However, adults can still learn a language effectively with dedication and effort.
- Frequency of study: How often you study and practice speaking the language will have a big impact on how quickly you learn. If you study daily, you’re likely to make faster progress than if you only study once a week.
- Learning method: There are a variety of methods you can use to learn a new language, including taking a course, using language learning apps, and speaking with native speakers. Some methods may be more effective for you than others, so it’s important to find the one that works best for you.
- Familiarity with the language: If you already have some background knowledge of the language, you’ll be able to pick it up more quickly. For example, if you already speak Spanish and want to learn Portuguese, you’ll likely make faster progress because the two languages are similar.
How Long Does it Take to Become Fluent?
So, how long does it take to become fluent in a language? The answer is, it depends. Some people may be able to achieve fluency in just a few months, while others may take years to reach that level. The amount of time it takes will depend on the factors mentioned above, as well as your own dedication and effort.
A good rule of thumb is that you can expect to be conversational in a language within 6-12 months of dedicated study and practice. This means that you’ll be able to hold basic conversations and understand most of what is being said.
To reach fluency, you’ll likely need to dedicate at least 2-3 years to the language. This may sound like a long time, but the good news is that you’ll likely be able to start speaking the language with confidence much sooner. And, once you reach fluency, you’ll be able to use the language effortlessly in all types of situations.
Benefits of Travel for Language Learning
Travelling to a new country and immersing yourself in the local culture is a fantastic way to learn a language faster and more authentically. When you’re surrounded by the language, it becomes easier to pick up new words and phrases, and you’ll have more opportunities to practise speaking and listening. This type of immersion experience can be a great way to take your language skills to the next level.
At GVI, we understand the value of learning a local language when volunteering abroad. That’s why we make it a priority to include language learning as part of our programs. Whether you’re working on a sea turtle conservation project in Mexico or teaching English in Cambodia, our team will help you learn some of the local language so you can better connect with the community and fully immerse yourself in the culture.
The Bottom Line
Becoming fluent in a new language takes time and effort, but with the right approach, it’s possible to achieve your goal. Whether you’re learning a language for travel, work, or simply for the challenge, it’s important to set realistic expectations and be patient with yourself. And, if you’re looking for an effective and adventurous way to learn a new language, why not consider volunteering abroad with GVI? Not only will you make a difference in the world, but you’ll also gain invaluable language skills that will enrich your life for years to come.
FAQs
The answer is, it depends. Some people may be able to achieve fluency in just a few months, while others may take years to reach that level. The amount of time it takes will depend on the factors mentioned above, as well as your own dedication and effort.
How fast can you realistically learn a language? ›
Group IV Languages:
| Length of Training | Minimal Aptitude | Average Aptitude |
|---|
| 16 weeks (480 hours) | Novice High | Intermediate Low |
| 24 weeks (720 hours) | Intermediate Low/Mid | Intermediate Mid/High |
| 44 weeks(1320 hours) | Intermediate High | Advanced Low |
| 80-92 weeks (2400-2760 hours) | Advanced High | Superior |
The short answer is as much as possible.
Realistically, however, at least 20 minutes per day should be dedicated to learning a new language. The ideal amount of time to spend on daily study, if you can find the time, is an hour, but you don't need to cram it all in at once.
How long does it take to become fluent in your first language? ›
FSI research indicates that it takes 480 hours to reach basic fluency in group 1 languages, and 720 hours for group 2-4 languages. If we are able to put in 10 hours a day to learn a language, then basic fluency in the easy languages should take 48 days, and for difficult languages 72 days.
How long does it take to relearn a language? ›
If you reached a good language proficiency level somewhere in your past, exhale. You won't need more than a couple of weeks of intensive multi-modal immersion to relearn a language and get right back where you were.
Will Duolingo make you fluent? ›
Will Duolingo make you fluent? No. Duolingo won't likely make you fluent if used on its own. However, when you use Duolingo combined with other resources, activities and tools that work for you, then yes, Duolingo will play a part in making you fluent.
What is the hardest language to learn? ›
The top 10 hardest languages in the world include Mandarin Chinese, Arabic, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Finnish, Hungarian, Icelandic, Georgian, and Navajo. These languages are renowned for their intricate grammar systems, complex writing systems, and significant differences from English.
What is the easiest language to learn? ›
We've used data from the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) to rank them from the easier to the somewhat more challenging.
- Frisian. ...
- Dutch. ...
- Norwegian. ...
- Spanish. ...
- Portuguese. ...
- Italian. ...
- French. ...
- Swedish.
Tier 5: Extraordinary level of difficulty
| Language | Time needed to reach fluency |
|---|
| Arabic | 2200 hours or 88 weeks |
| Japanese | 2200 hours or 88 weeks |
| Korean | 2200 hours or 88 weeks |
| Mandarin Chinese | 2200 hours or 88 weeks |
1 more rowJan 5, 2023
Consistency is the most important thing. And if you can't consistently find an hour in your day every single day, that's fine. But if you can find 10 minutes, 15 minutes, maybe even 20, every couple of days, you'll be golden.
For example, in a new study released in May 2018, researchers found that children maintain their natural ability to pick up the grammar of a new language until they are 17 or 18. However, they need to start learning that new language by the age of 10 to master it before the "critical period" ends.
Is Duolingo really effective? ›
Duolingo is a fun app that's excellent if you're getting started in a language. It can be the gateway to long-term, more serious studying by helping you develop regular habits. It's most useful for beginners and early intermediate learners, teaching you the foundations of a language's vocabulary and grammar.
Is it harder to learn languages as you get older? ›
The root of this notion is due to neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to form and restructure synaptic connections. While it's true that this ability decreases as we age, many experts now believe learning a foreign language at an older age is no harder than when you're a child.
How long can an average person learn a new language? ›
In a study done with adolescents learning English as a second language in school, basic conversation skills were achieved within one year of study, oral proficiency in 3-5 years, and advanced academic proficiency in 4-7 years. The length of time required to learn a language also depends a lot on your goals.
Can you lose a language if you don't use it? ›
Thankfully, research shows that language is not really 'lost'. It is just dormant and requires re-activation. It is just a matter of spending more time practising the language in-order to revive it.
Will I forget a language if I learn another? ›
After age 12, knowledge of languages becomes more solidified, and it's less likely that people beyond this age will ever fully forget their first language. However, when an adult shifts to primarily speaking another language, they still might experience some difficulty when they try to use their first language.
Can you learn a language in 3 months? ›
We raised a popular question: is it possible to become fluent in three months? We talked about how the answer depends on your definition of fluency. If your definition of fluency is like mine—close to a B2 level on the CEFR scale, then the answer is no. You certainly can still aim to achieve a lot in a 3-month period.
Can you become fluent in a language in a year? ›
While it's possible to become conversational in a language within 6-12 months of dedicated study, true fluency requires a deeper understanding of the language's grammar, vocabulary, and cultural nuances.
Can you really learn a language in 30 days? ›
While the idea of becoming fluent in 30 days might seem like a lofty goal, it's not entirely out of reach. However, it will require some serious dedication, smart strategies, and a healthy dose of realism.
