At some point along the way of your new language learning journey, you will feel as if your progress came to a frustrating standstill.
That’s why we’ve taken the lead to talk to some linguistic experts that have solutions to the language plateaus – ‘cause there are solutions!
Manuel experiences the “word tip-of-the-tongue” syndrome, where the right word seems to be on the brink of discovery but remains elusive. His conversations with language exchange partners from China become a linguistic dance of two steps forward, one step back, as new words are forgotten as quickly as they’re learned.
It’s so weird since he is an advanced student of Mandarin…
Well… it’s not so weird…
Manuel is experiencing the language learning plateau. It’s common in advanced students. You’ve mastered the basics, navigated through intermediate challenges, and suddenly… it seems like you’ve hit a wall!.
Linguists told us that plateaus are a natural part of the 2-step language learning process:
- you start to learn a language, progress is rapid, the brain absorbs a lot of new linguistic elements.
- as you become more proficient, there is no more novelty for your brain, and the improvements are fairly imperceptible.
So, don’t panic: plateaus are not indicative of failure but rather a signal that your brain is consolidating the knowledge it has acquired!
And more: you can break through them – start by taking a look at their psychological aspects.
Psychological aspects of language learning plateaus
Yes, language learning plateaus have a really significant psychological component. According to psychologists, plateaus can be mentally challenging because they disrupt the sense of progression that motivates learners.
Is that your case, by any chance? If so, you may feel stuck, and self-doubt can creep in.
It can be caused by not appropriate learning methods, the learning environment, or by personal interest and moments in life.
Thank goodness, plateaus are temporary setbacks instead of insurmountable obstacles. Start by being perseverant and positive to overcome it. Next, just follow the steps we give below to break through it!
8 Strategies to overcome language learning plateaus
Now that we’ve explored the reasons behind language learning plateaus, let’s delve into strategies recommended by linguistic experts to overcome these challenging phases.
- Diversify learning methods
Meet Chen, the language-learning trailblazer who found himself stranded in the notorious English learning plateau. It felt like he was stuck in a linguistic limbo, with words dancing just out of reach.
Frustration was clear until Chen decided to shake things up. Instead of drowning in endless grammar drills, he diversified his approach.
Chen turned their living room into a language lab, singing along to English tunes, binge-watching sitcoms, and even daring to have full-on conversations with their reflection in the mirror 🙂
The breakthrough came not from a textbook but from the real-world chaos of everyday English. Chen’s plateau crumbled like a house of cards, and suddenly, they were surfing the language wave with newfound confidence. Who knew that a little variety could be the secret sauce to language success?!
Cheers to Chen for breaking through the plateau barrier!
He was right: language education specialists emphasize the importance of diversifying learning methods. They say that, when learners hit a plateau, it’s often a sign that their current approach is becoming monotonous.
Experts advice:
Introduce variety by incorporating different resources, such as language apps, podcasts, movies, or even language exchange programs. Changing up your routine can reignite your interest and stimulate further progress!
- Set realistic goals
Let’s tell you about Boglárka, the Hungarian woman fluent in Spanish but found herself hitting a serious plateau. It was like trying to climb a linguistic mountain with flip-flops on…
Again, frustration is central.
Boglárka decided to switch gears, though, and instead of aiming for fluency overnight, she set some more down-to-earth goals. Instead of cramming a gazillion vocab words, she focused on the essentials, like ordering a coffee or navigating the subway.
She did that easily, choosing some online platforms.
Suddenly, the plateau felt less like an insurmountable wall and more like a gentle slope. Boglárka’s breakthrough was all about keeping it real and celebrating the small victories.
Now, her Spanish is developing again, and she’s cruising past that plateau like a pro.
¡Vamos, Boglárka!
Some linguistics experts explain that, sometimes, learners set overly ambitious goals, and when they don’t see immediate results, frustration sets in.
Experts advice:
Break down your language learning objectives into smaller, manageable tasks. Celebrate the small victories along the way, as they contribute to the overall journey.
- Immerse yourself in the culture
Santiago, a Mexican young man, found himself knee-deep in a Scottish learning plateau, after reaching the advanced level. It seemed that bagpipes and Gaelic had him in a linguistic headlock!
Santiago wasn’t one to back down, although he was feeling frustrated, he confessed.
Instead of drowning in textbooks, he took the party online, immersing himself in the rich tapestry of Scottish culture. And he didn’t even go abroad for that: from YouTube channels to virtual ceilidhs, Santiago soaked it all in.
Suddenly, the plateau turned into a playground, and his Scottish brogue started sounding less like a challenge and more like a victory. Santiago’s secret? He let the culture be his teacher, and now he’s fluent in both language and ceilidh dance moves.
Aye, Santiago, you’ve bagged the linguistic peak!
He was right: anthropologists claim that language and culture are 100% associated – language is deeply intertwined with culture.
Experts advices:
Watch movies, read books, or engage in activities that expose you to the cultural nuances of the language. This not only makes learning more enjoyable but also provides a broader context for language acquisition.
- Practice active listening
Let’s share the story of Adanna, the Nigerian woman, who found herself stuck in a German learning plateau, exactly when she needed it so badly for a promotion!
But Adanna, being the go-getter she is, decided to switch gears. Instead of drowning in textbooks, she dove headfirst into the world of German podcasts, music, and TV shows.
The magic ingredient? Active listening.
She tuned her ears to the rhythm of the language, soaked up the nuances, and suddenly, the plateau became a launchpad. Adanna’s breakthrough wasn’t about grammar drills but about hearing native Germans on podcasts and videos.
Now, she’s rocking conversations and business meetings auf Deutsch like a language maestro.
Bravo, Adanna, for breaking through the plateau (Promotion is coming)!
Phonetics experts highlight the importance of active listening, like Adanna did. They reveal something interesting: plateaus often occur in speaking and listening skills!
Experts advice:
Dedicate time to listen to native speakers, whether through podcasts, music, or everyday conversations with partners on the Speaky app. Pay attention to intonation, rhythm, and pronunciation. Mimicking native speakers can significantly enhance your oral proficiency.
- Seek feedback and correction
Now it’s time to introduce you to Shu-fen, a nice Taiwanese trailblazer in her job (gastronomy), who found herself in the thick of an Italian learning plateau.
What was that linguistic “Colosseum” in front of her?!
Shu-fen, then, decided to enlist some online allies (would she have read this article?!).
Instead of battling the plateau solo, she hit up language exchange platforms and communities, boldly asking for feedback and corrections. It was like opening a linguistic treasure chest. With the help of native speakers and fellow learners, Shu-fen fine-tuned her Italian, one correction at a time. The plateau crumbled like a historic ruin, and now Shu-fen’s conversational Italian is as smooth as a gelato on a hot Roman day. Grazie mille, Shu-fen, for turning the plateau into a stepping stone!
Those in the language pedagogy branch encourage learners to seek feedback to break through plateaus.
Advice:
Join language communities, find a language partner, or enroll in a class where you can receive constructive feedback. Corrections help you identify and rectify persistent errors, propelling you past the plateau.
- Take breaks and reflect
See the case of Henrik, a Danish retired engineer: having studied Brazilian Portuguese for “ages”, he found himself in a stubborn learning plateau.
Frustration alert!
Instead of banging his head against the grammar wall, Henrik decided to switch gears. He took a breather, enjoyed some fika (Danish for coffee break), and let the Portuguese verbs marinate. Lo and behold, the plateau turned into a scenic overlook!
By taking breaks and embracing a laid-back approach, Henrik not only maintained his advanced Portuguese but added a touch of Brazilian flair to his linguistic toolbox. Who knew that slowing down could be the secret sauce to language success?
In fact, cognitive psychologists emphasize the importance of taking breaks.
Experts advice:
Use this time in a plateau to reflect on your progress, set new goals, and return to your studies with a fresh perspective – sometimes, stepping back and giving your brain a rest is the best way to overcome a plateau.
- Prepare speeches and presentations
Let’s spill the tea on Ricardo from Panama: the English-learning wizard who found himself knee-deep in a plateau swamp. Progress was slower and slower…
But here’s where the plot thickens—Ricardo decided to turn his language exchange game upside down. Instead of mumbling through the usual chit-chat, he went all-in, crafting speeches about everything from the beauty of Panamanian beaches to the joys of a proper cup of coffee.
Boom! The plateau crumbled like a cookie in milk.
Ricardo not only honed his English but also became the Shakespeare of virtual conversations. Who knew that giving a speech could be the secret sauce to leveling up your language game?
High five, Ricardo!
Yup, presentations and speeches are one unconventional yet effective method to break through plateaus using online language exchange platforms! It not only boosts your confidence but also exposes you to a different situation in learning, and to new vocabulary. Plus, the feedback you get can be golden to bring you to the track again.
Experts advice:
You prep a killer talk in your target language, maybe about your favorite hobby or the quirks of your hometown. The nerves might kick in, but hey, that’s part of the fun.
Then, you share your thoughts in front of a virtual audience – maybe on the Speaky app community.
So, next time you’re stuck in a plateau, grab that virtual mic and let the language exchange platform stage be your arena.
- Learn more vocabulary
And now it’s time to meet Sarah, the French-learning woman, who hit a plateau like a brick wall. She was at an advanced level – what could be done?!
So, instead of sulking in plateau-ville, Sarah kicked her vocab game up a notch. She ditched the routine and dove into a treasure trove of French words. Theme-based lists became her daily digest, turning her coffee breaks into impromptu French vocab quizzes.
Soon, her vocabulary expanded and words that once eluded her started lining up for roll call. Books became a battleground of literary prowess.
She was clever: at the advanced level, there’s no more grammar to tackle, but oh boy, there’s a whole new world of words waiting to be discovered!
C’est magnifique, Sarah!
Experts advice:
Spice things up with thematic vocab lists. Study synonyms, idioms, and cozy up to some fancy phrases. Read books that stretch your lexicon, binge-watch shows with complex dialogues, and embrace nuanced expressions.
Our piece of advice
Sometimes a plateau comes from weak areas in your learning process. Identify your weak areas, whether it’s vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, or comprehension.
Pinpointing the specific challenges allows for targeted improvement.
Conclusion
Language learning plateaus are not roadblocks but rather waypoints, signaling a moment of consolidation and preparation for the next phase of progress. Linguistic experts unanimously agree that understanding the natural occurrence of plateaus, addressing the psychological aspects, and implementing diverse learning strategies are key to navigating these challenging periods successfully.
So, if you find yourself on a language learning plateau, remember that you’re not alone. Employ the strategies recommended by linguistic experts shown above.
With perseverance and a positive mindset, you’ll not only overcome the plateau but also set sail for new horizons in your language learning adventure.
