Yes, you know English. You have learned a lot about grammar, you can understand the dialogues in your favorite series, you understand the lyrics of songs and even get by in communication, but you feel that you can't advance anymore, you have stagnated. This is the so-called intermediate plateau phenomenon.
But how to overcome it and finally feel confident and comfortable with the language at more advanced levels? English Conversation practice is challenging, but it is certainly one of the keys to overcoming the barrier of any language.
In this article, you will discover the causes of the intermediate plateau and how English immersion can help you overcome it, representing a definitive turning point in your language progress. Check it out.
Why does stagnation in the intermediate level happen and how can English Conversation help?
There can be many causes for this phenomenon among learners, but first it is important to emphasize: language learning is not linear.
It is common that at the beginning of learning, there is a feeling of intense and constant improvement. After all, there is a lot of new information and you finally feel like you are understanding something that before made no sense at all or even seemed impossible, right?
However, over time, it is normal for some subjects to repeat themselves, differing only in the level of depth and complexity. Thus, the feeling of the new is no longer so frequent. This results in one of the main factors of the intermediate plateau: the lack of motivation to maintain consistency in learning.
In addition, there are other causes behind the stagnation in the intermediate level. Neuroscientist Carla Tieppo, a professor at Santa Casa de São Paulo School of Medical Sciences, pointed out as one of the main reasons for this paralysis, issues related to the emotional field of students.
Emotional factors play a crucial role in language development. In language learning circles, it's common to hear stories of embarrassing situations that have hindered someone's relationship with the language.
Whether it's a classmate laughing at their pronunciation or a teacher being overly strict, such experiences can turn enjoyable English conversation practice into a daunting task. This can make it even harder to overcome the intermediate plateau.
Conquering the Intermediate Plateau: English Conversation Practice
While these obstacles are real, they can be overcome with the right mindset: "I'm scared, but I'm going to do it anyway." Embracing the scientific method of trial and error can be the key. Making mistakes, learning from them, and repeating the process is the essence of progress.
In this spirit, approach English conversations head-on, gradually shrinking the monster of embarrassment with each interaction until it fades away. This outcome is natural and common among students who immerse themselves in language practice.
While living in an English-speaking country and engaging in everyday conversations is a dream scenario for many, it's not the only path to significant progress.
By combining the famous speaking practice with various pre-studied topics, it becomes impossible to remain stuck at the intermediate level in any language.
How Does English Conversation Work?
There are many ways to practice English conversation, from informal chats at a bar with foreigners to more formal lessons in a language course. All methods have their value, but if you're looking to accelerate your language learning, it's important to choose the right approach for you.
TalknTalk, a language school with nearly a decade of experience, offers a unique, flexible, and practical option: unlimited immersion sessions led by student facilitators.
In addition to its traditional video classes taught by specialized teachers in languages like English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, and Mandarin, TalknTalk has developed an innovative method to help students practice their language skills in real-time conversations with real people, almost anytime of the day.
Immersion sessions are divided into Advanced and Beginner levels, each covering different topics, from common ones like hobbies and travel to more unusual ones like meditation and artificial intelligence. Conversations take place at various times, from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
5 Key Advantages of English Conversation at TalknTalk
1 - Safe Space and Greater Freedom
As mentioned earlier, emotional barriers are among the biggest obstacles to language progress. In TalknTalk's immersion sessions, learners feel more comfortable than in a traditional teacher-student setting. This is because the immersions are led by student facilitators who are also there to improve their language skills.
Every conversation begins with the facilitator introducing themselves and explaining that this is a safe learning environment where there's no room for corrections or behavior that could embarrass others. The goal is simple: to speak in whatever way possible. It's a true "safe space."
2 - Planner System: Pre-Study Topics to Prepare for Immersions
Each immersion has a theme with a list of 10 questions to guide the conversation. The Planner contains all the themes, dates, and times of the immersions.
Learners can review the list before the session and study the topic, grammar structures for possible responses, and explore the relevant information. This undoubtedly helps not only to have a more fluent conversation but also to consolidate the learning of different vocabulary as the topics are very diverse.
3 - Flexible Schedules
Immersions are designed for all types of students, from early risers with work schedules to those in different time zones.
Students can easily schedule sessions on the TalknTalk platform, choosing times that fit their schedule, from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. If they can't attend, no problem. Cancellation is quick and easy with just a few clicks.
4 - Diverse Topics: Learning for Practical Life
In one immersion session, you might practice common yet important topics like hobbies, travel, and work. In another session, you could discuss the impact of Artificial Intelligence on language learning or even reflect on how Mindfulness practice can improve mental health and quality of life.
No matter how many times you participate in immersions in a week, there will always be a topic that surprises you and makes you learn without even realizing it.
5 - Reflection and Self-Awareness
With our busy lives, it's hard to take a moment to reflect on ourselves, our hobbies, and our thoughts on different topics outside our social circles, right?
In addition to language learning, many immersion topics often spark important life reflections, whether in the professional or personal sphere. Since the exchange is through questions and answers, it's common to leave the conversations feeling inspired or reflective about something you heard or said.
The impact of this can be truly transformative.
Ready to break out of the intermediate plateau and reach unimaginable levels of English with these conversations? The first step is yours, the rest is the flow.
留言