When you’re at an advanced phase of language learning, your needs are likely not the same as someone starting out. As such, different approaches, strategies and learning materials might prove better for you at this stage of your development.
Many advanced language learners are independent enough in the language to be able to work on their own. That’s why we recommend home study language programs over classroom lessons and tutoring. Provided you have sufficient amount of contact with native speakers (for practice), learning on your own is probably a better option for numerous reasons:
- It’s more cost-effective. An advanced language software is cheap, compared to the cost of a class or private tutoring. We believe they can both deliver similar results, so opting for the more expensive option doesn’t net you any real benefits.
- It’s a better fit. Private tutoring tend to cuddle students. It’s not something an advanced second language speaker needs. Independence and flexibility will probably serve you better, allowing you some amount of creativity in the way you expand your knowledge in the vernacular.
We’re not discounting the value of tutoring. Far from it. Our position is, simply, that advanced language learning requires less supervision and more self-dependence. A self-learning program for next-level students is the best option for just that.
Hate the whole vocabulary building process? You may want to consider that, as even advanced language learners need to continue to build their own stores of the language. Of course, the kind of details you require as a higher-level student might be a little bit different than those for someone who’s just starting out.
Fluency
Advanced language learners, at their stage, need to study for fluency. Rather than memorize individual words like beginner and early intermediate learners, however, your focus should turn to larger phrases and chunks. That’s because bigger, fuller components are typically what native speakers process. Since you’re gunning for the same ability, you’ll have to develop the same patterns of learning.
Memory
If you’ve slogged the whole early stages of language learning, you’ve probably done some research on memory techniques. Perhaps, even read up on how our memories work. Whatever knowledge you applied that worked for you, continue doing it. Except this time, do it in larger chunks, rather than the individual (sometimes incidental) words you used to do.
Contextual Guesswork
Learn to guess intelligently. Sometimes, you will encounter words or phrases you haven’t heard before. Rather than leaving it at that, try to “guess” what they mean based on the context of what else has been said. That, right there, is an important aspect of many advanced language learning software and courses – the ability to apply what you’ve learned before to illuminate presently confusing items.
