Join our language learning community

What do we mean by English fluency, and how can understanding competencies across the four skills provide a more realistic picture of communicative English ability?

What is fluency?

As someone who worked in dictionaries, the meaning of words has always interested me – and fluency is a particular case in point.

Language learners often set themselves the goal of becoming fluent in a language. Job adverts often specify “fluent in English or Spanish” as a requirement. But what does being 'fluent' in a language actually mean? If we look in the Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English, we see that fluent means “able to speak a language very well”. Fluent speech or writing is described as “smooth and confident, with no mistakes”. In general, fluency is most often associated with spoken language – but is that the goal of all language learners? And what does being able to speak fluently show about the other language skills?

Describing English proficiency

Before entering the world of dictionaries, I taught English as a foreign language in France. At that time, the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) had not yet been published and learners were described in very general terms – beginner, intermediate, advanced – with no agreed standards on what learners at each level were expected to know. As well as establishing standards, the CEFR also shifted the focus of language assessment from knowledge of grammar and vocabulary to functional competence, i.e. what can a student actually do with the language they’re learning across the four skills:

• listening
• reading
• speaking
• writing

Interestingly, while calling out specific objectives for each skill, almost two-thirds of the information in the CEFR describes spoken language. This seems to imply that spoken fluency is indeed the most important goal for all language learners.

Mapping out a personalized path to proficiency

As a global publisher, Pearson English recognizes that all learners are different – in their backgrounds, learning environments and learning goals. This is why we have undertaken new research to extend the set of learning objectives contained in the CEFR to account for learners who need detailed information about their level in all four skills, not just in one (typically, that of speaking).

No learner will be equally proficient in all four language skills – in the same way that no native speaker is equally proficient in all skills in their first language. Some of us are better at writing than speaking, and many are illiterate in their first language. A true measure of language proficiency needs to take all skills into account. Equally, not every learner of English will need to be 'fluent' in spoken communication.

Many researchers need to read papers in English and attend conferences in English – but will only ever present and write in their first language. Is 'fluency' a good way to describe their goal? And if it isn’t, does that somehow diminish their language achievements?

By acknowledging proficiency in individual skills – rather than catch-all terms such as 'fluent' – we gain a clearer understanding of goals and outcomes, and with this knowledge, we are in a better position to tailor learning to the individual.

If you're looking to improve your own fluency (in any language) make sure to check out our language learning app Mondly.

Keeping students motivated can be difficult at any time of the academic year. Around the world, school calendars and term lengths vary, but most educators will recognize the challenge of teaching through a long stretch of lessons. The energy of a new class or course may fade, routines can start to feel repetitive, and students may feel tired or less connected to their learning goals.

For language teachers, this can be especially challenging. Learning a language takes time, and progress is not always easy for students to see. So, how can you keep language students motivated when a course or teaching period starts to lose momentum?

AI is becoming a bigger part of our lives, including education and language learning. AI tools can give you more ways to practice a language. For example, you can use them to practice conversations or get feedback on your writing.

But it is important to use AI in the right way. AI can be a useful extra tool for language learning. It can support your learning outside the classroom, but it cannot replace teachers, lessons or real-life communication with other people.

Here are some simple ways to use AI to support your language learning.

1. Practice conversations

It is not always easy to find someone to practice speaking with. AI can give you another way to practice when you are studying by yourself. You can ask AI to have a conversation with you. For example, it could act as a shop assistant, a hotel receptionist or a new colleague.

Try asking: “Have a simple conversation with me in Spanish about ordering food. Correct my mistakes after each answer.”

Make sure you do the speaking yourself. Don't only read the AI's answers. Say your answers out loud and try to think in the language you are learning. This can be a useful way to get extra practice between lessons.

2. Ask for hints

When you are learning, it can be tempting to ask AI for the answer straight away. But you can learn more if you try to find the answer yourself first. Instead of asking for the answer, ask AI to give you a hint.

For example: “Don't give me the answer. Give me a hint.”

You could also ask: “Help me find and correct my mistake, but don't tell me the correct answer.”

This gives you support while still letting you do the important thinking and learning.

3. Get help with your writing

AI can help you look at a short piece of writing in the language you are learning. You could use it to check an email, message or short paragraph. But try not to ask AI to rewrite everything for you. If it does all the work, you may not understand your mistakes.

Instead, try asking: “Find three mistakes in my writing and explain why they are wrong. Don't rewrite the whole text.”

Then, try to correct the mistakes yourself. You can also ask your teacher for feedback. Teachers can help you understand your mistakes and tell you what you need to practice next.

4. Practice with topics you enjoy

Language learning can feel more interesting when you practice with topics you like. You can ask AI to create simple activities about your hobbies or interests. This could be your favorite music, films, sport, food or travel.

For example: “Create a B1-level German vocabulary quiz about football.”

This can give you extra ways to practice words and language that interest you. You could even take some of the new vocabulary you learn and use it in your next lesson or in a conversation with someone else.

5. Check the information AI gives you

AI can make mistakes. Sometimes it may give you information that sounds correct but is actually wrong. It may also suggest words or sentences that are correct but do not sound natural. So, don't believe everything AI tells you without checking it.

You can check information in a trusted dictionary, your course materials or another reliable language learning resource. You can also ask your teacher when you are not sure. Learning how to check information is an important skill, whether you are using AI or another source online.

6. Keep learning with teachers and other people

AI can give you more chances to practice, but it is only one tool. Teachers can explain difficult language, answer your questions and give you feedback that is right for your needs. Learning with other students can also help you share ideas and build confidence.

Speaking with real people is important too. Real conversations can be different every time, and they help you learn how to listen and respond naturally. Use AI as one part of your language learning. Keep learning with teachers, classmates and other people too.

Use AI to support your learning

AI can give you new ways to practice a language, especially when you want to do some extra learning outside your lessons. You can use it to practice conversations, get hints, check your writing and explore topics you enjoy.

But remember: AI is there to support your learning, not to replace your teacher or real-life communication.

The most important part of language learning is still you. Keep listening, speaking, reading, writing, making mistakes and practising with other people. AI can be one useful tool to help you along the way.