Fact check: Our world is home to more than 7,000 languages. However, UNESCO calls for multilingual education to unlock language learning and promote diversity and inclusion. Why? About 40% of people worldwide lack access to language education, and up to 90% experience the same problem in some developing countries.
But despite undergoing language training, why aren’t you that fluent yet? More importantly, how can you achieve language proficiency in time?
Fret not—This page tackles why people struggle to develop language fluency to make informed decisions. Read on to learn how to become instantly fluent in a particular language. Let’s dive in!
Top Reasons You’re Not Yet Fluent in a Language
It’s now easy to see people speak in different languages. It’s no secret: English is the most widely used language in the world. The Worldostats also cites the other top five languages in 2025: Mandarin Chinese, Hindi, Spanish, Arabic, and French.
Being able to somehow understand and use the language is one thing; Speaking the language fluidly like a native speaker is another. Language fluency is on a whole new level of language proficiency. Why is that so?
To make informed decisions for your language training, understand the key factors affecting your fluency. That said, here’s why you aren’t that fluent in a particular language yet:
Have no language proficiency goals: As with any life endeavor, always start with SMART goals: Specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-based. Without clear objectives, you’ll encounter language learning stagnation simply because you have no motivations and directions.
Not exposed to the language enough: Sure, you might have enrolled in a language training program. However, if you don’t fully immerse yourself in the language daily, you’ll find it hard to develop and acquire language fluency.
Using ineffective learning methods: Your language program might not be appropriate for your learning style. In enterprise contact center solutions, for example, if companies want their agents to be fluent in English, they should implement an English-only policy (EOP).
Not practicing the language at all: Needless to say, practice makes perfect. If you aren’t speaking the language in your daily life, whether with your colleagues, friends, or family, becoming fluent in the language will take time.
Lack of consistency in language learning: It takes being consistent to gain resilience in language learning and achieve fluency in time. This means attending language classes, using the language with other people, and exposing yourself to it almost every day.
Afraid to make language mistakes: Some language learners never become fluent due to their fear of committing errors. Understand that speaking the language regularly and disregarding making mistakes is okay. Remember, constant failure eventually leads to success!
Not seeking help from others: Some people opt for self-study—they prefer to learn a new language on their own. However, if you really want to develop and acquire language proficiency, get others involved. Speak the language with your mentor, colleagues, peers, and even family!
Lev Peker, CEO at CARiD, highlights why some learners struggle to achieve language fluency. “Many people struggle with fluency because they’re not fully immersing themselves in the language.”
Peker says, “Enrolling in a course is great, but without daily practice and real-world exposure, progress stalls. Consistency and confidence—especially embracing mistakes—are key to breaking through.”
Learn how to achieve language fluency in the next section.
How To Become Fluent in a Language
Language learning has become in demand in this time and age. Thanks to the advent of globalization and technological advances, they have driven the need to learn languages other than your mother tongue.
According to Global Market Insights, the worldwide language learning market is poised to grow from $61 billion in 2023 to $300 billion by 2032 at a 20% compound annual growth rate (CAGR). This market growth and expansion is due to the increasing demand for people who are proficient in multiple languages.
Here’s the thing: Language proficiency doesn’t happen overnight. It requires constant practice, full exposure, and the willingness to learn. Sure, you might have enrolled in a language program. But if you don’t have the heart for it and the discipline to know, you won’t become as fluent as possible.
That said, here’s how to develop and acquire language fluency:
1. Set clear, realistic language goals
When looking to learn a new language, start by setting your goals. Why do you seek to undergo language training? Is your language learning for career advancement, business expansion, travel purposes, or personal engagement? Ensure you have valid reasons for doing so so you can easily and quickly achieve your goals.
Jeffrey Zhou, CEO and Founder of Fig Loans, recommends setting SMART goals for language learning. He claims they should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-based. “When learning a new language, don’t just say ‘I want to be fluent’—get specific. Set a goal like ‘hold a 10-minute conversation in three months.’ Clear, measurable targets keep you focused and make progress easier to track.”
2. Enroll in formal language courses
When it comes to language learning, you have the option to undergo self-study or get a formal language training program. The former makes the learning process more personalized; The latter helps you learn words and phrases the right way. However, what better way to achieve language fluency than to strike a balance between the two?
Kathryn MacDonell, CEO at Trilby Misso Lawyers, suggests enrolling in language courses best suited for your learning needs. “Formal language courses give you structure and guidance, especially when you’re starting out. Choose a program that matches your learning style and goals—it’s a solid way to build a strong foundation.”
3. Regularly speak the language itself
There’s a line drawn between understanding and using the actual language. The same is true between writing and speaking the language. If you want to develop and acquire its fluency, you must use it in your daily conversations. Speak the language not only during your training classes but whenever you have the chance to do so.
Max Tang, CMO at GEEKOM, emphasizes the need to practice the language to achieve fluency. He always believes that practice makes perfect, which applies to language learning. He advises, “Practice, practice, practice. Fluency comes from actually using the language—every single day. Don’t just study it; Speak it, whether it’s chatting with a friend, thinking in the language, or even talking to yourself.
4. Expose yourself to the language
Exposure is one of the most effective language-learning hacks. Learning happens beyond the four walls of your training center or virtual classroom. You’ve got to expose yourself to the language in various ways: Listen to music, watch flicks, and converse with foreigners online using the language itself.
Take it from Adam Young, CEO and Founder of Event Tickets Center. He has his fair share of working with various nationalities for their events. “The best way to learn a language is to surround yourself with it. Watch movies, listen to music, and have real conversations—it all adds up. The more you immerse yourself, the more natural it becomes.”
5. Seek language support from others
Language learning shouldn’t be solitary and lonely. Aside from learning straight from your language trainers, seek help from other people as well. For one, you can practice speaking the language with your family at home. You can also get your friends to join in your training classes. Finally, you can reach out to native speakers who can help you speak the language quickly and easily.
Learn from Stanislav Khilobochenko, VP of Customer Services at Clario. They work with various clients for their spy removal app but must learn to speak other languages for engagements. “Language learning is easier when you’re not doing it alone. Practice with friends, chat with native speakers, and don’t hesitate to ask for help. The more you engage with others, the faster fluency comes.”
Final Words
Nothing can be more fulfilling than finally becoming fluent in a particular language after training. Not only does it allow you to interact socially, but it also lets you engage in business and more. However, you must work hard, stay committed, and be patient to become proficient in the language.
That said, start by understanding why you aren’t fluent in the language yet. Once you learn these, you can quickly and easily address the problem. So, what better way to achieve language fluency than to follow our practical recommendations above?
With all these key steps and tips, you’ll be able to speak the language with ease and confidence! Ready to learn a new language and see the world in a different light? Take the Lingualift Method to achieve language fluency in time. Sign up to start a complimentary lesson, or download the app today!
