The intermediate level plateau and how to break through it:
So you’re no longer a beginner in language learning and in your target language are now an intermediate-level learner. You’ve reached the intermediate-level plateau.
You no longer sense that you are making any fast progress and have stalled in your language learning despite studying every day.
You understand more of the language than you’ve ever done before yet you’re not at a level yet when you are able to understand native-level TV shows and movies in the target language.
Does this sound familiar? This concept is actually called the intermediate-level plateau. At this stage you have a solid foundation in the language and progress will be much lower than at the beginning stages of learning a language.
What should I do?
As you start this phase first and foremost congratulate yourself because a lot of learners will have given up on the beginner stages of learning a language. You’ve done a great job so far in becoming an intermediate learner.
In other big to progress you must do things a bit differently than you’ve been doing at the beginner stages. Whilst it is important to take structured classes and follow a textbook to learn the language now at this stage you should begin to enjoy native-level content such as TV shows and podcasts; in order to subconsciously learn the language you’re studying.
Another thing to realise is although progress is no longer linear you are still progressing as long as you study and maintain contact with the language regularly. One day may not seem to make much of a difference to your progress however compounded upon itself within a few months to a year this can result in a great amount of progress.
At this stage also you can have great help by tracking and increasing your vocabulary range. Using a flashcard app such as Anki you’re able to use SRS to help improve your vocabulary range.
As well as this in order to improve your speaking skills I recommend trying to find native speakers of your target language to practice the language with so you are able to improve your speaking skills.
Overall I can’t stress the importance of consistency and making language learning a daily habit in this intermediate phase.
Conclusion
Overall, I say well done we get into the intermediate level of language learning. The plateau can be discouraging but overall there are many ways to break through it. What’s your experience of intermediate plateau been? Let me know down below.
For my language learning journey and how I managed to overcome the intermediate plateau in Cantonese; click here
