How long does it take to learn another language? (Part 1)

This is a very difficult question with no simple answer. The time it takes to learn a language can depend on many different things. Here are three important factors that can influence the answer:

Factor 1: How ‘learning’ is defined

There are different ways of measuring someone’s ability to learn another language. For example, do you want to measure knowledge of language, such as grammar and vocabulary or ability in the four different skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening, or maybe both at the same time?

When it comes to language knowledge, it also depends on whether you are measuring implicit or explicit language (more about that in a later blog post). Of course, there are also good ways and not so good ways of testing language knowledge and the different language skills, so it’s quite complicated.

One of the most common ways to measure language ability is by using the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). The CEFR uses ‘Can Do’ statements to measure what language learners can do in the four different skills (reading, writing, speaking and listening). For instance, at A2 a learner can ‘use simple techniques to start, maintain or end a conversation’, and at C1 a learner can ‘select a suitable phrase to preface their remarks appropriately in order to get the floor, or to gain time and keep the floor whilst thinking’.

There are six levels in the CEFR:

  • A1 (Beginner) – Can communicate in basic English with the help of the listener
  • A2 (Elementary/Pre-Intermediate) – Can communicate in English within a limited range of contexts
  • B1 (Intermediate) – Can communicate essential points and ideas in familiar contexts
  • B2 (Upper-Intermediate) – Can use English effectively, with some fluency, in a range of contexts
  • C1 (Advanced) – Able to use English fluently and flexibly in a wide range of contexts
  • C2 (Proficiency) – Highly proficient – can use English very fluently, precisely and sensitively in most contexts

Information taken from: https://www.englishprofile.org/images/pdf/GuideToCEFR.pdf

The CEFR is intended to be used as a general guide that can be used in a wide variety of situations. However, if your aim is to learn English to use in a specific situation, such as for studying or for work, then it is likely that it would take a little longer to learn in order to become familiar with the specific language features that are needed in your place of study or work.

In the next post, I will explain how the learning environment can influence how quickly you learn a language.