In response to the various posts on other threads, I wanted to give my more detailed thoughts on the subject of native-like fluency, based on my experience.
First off: Native-Like fluency (native level proficiency, whatever you wanna call it) is absolutely an attainable goal in my opinion – even as an adult. Some caveats apply though.
For me, it breaks down into three steps: 1) functional fluency, 2) native-like proficiency, 3) accent reduction.
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Functional Fluency – This is usually the goal or dream of most language learners, to be able to communicate fluently in a foreign language, as commonly defined and described in the guidelines for a “C2 Level” proficiency. For most people, this is the last stage of language learning, but to become native-like, this is actually the first stage you’d need to reach. A C2 level is attainable with the usual mixture of study, exposure, and practice, as outlined throughout this site – and it’s feasible to get there without ever setting foot in a foreign country.
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Native-Like Proficiency – If your goal is to be able to speak like a native (more on accents later) you’ll have to spend an extended period of time in your target country. It’s important to note that not everyone who lives in a foreign country will become fluent, let alone native-like, but a fluent speaker who is dedicated to improving their skills CAN get native-like when living “in country,” it will just be a matter of time and focus. This is especially true for those going to college or university in their target countries. Overall, after achieving a C2 level you’d need an absolute minimum of 5+ years in a target country to be in the neighborhood of “native-like.” (My estimates.)
Native-like, to me, does not mean you don’t make mistakes, and it does not necessarily mean that you can “pass for a native.” It means that you have the active vocabulary and day to day proficiency of a native speaker. You can actually get to a level where you can speak better than many native speakers without passing for a native! I’ve met quite a few people who have achieved this level, it’s totally doable.
- Accents and Accent Reduction – Yes, getting completely rid of an accent is difficult. Opinions will vary on this, but in my assessment, having a slight accent can still qualify you as “native-like” if that’s the only thing that distinguishes your use of the language from those around you. However, if your goal is to get rid of an accent completely, there are specific methods for that as well. For example, in Hollywood, there are ads all over the place for accent reduction courses for foreign-born actors. In my time, I’ve met some of them that have gotten pretty good at passing for Americans – at least while the cameras were rolling.
Overall though, I think fluency is a byproduct of exposure and practice – and native-like fluency is a byproduct of fluency and living in a foreign country. It’s an attainable goal but not something you’d need to push for unless you’re going to actually live there. For most language students, pushing for a C2 Level functional fluency is a better goal to set.
