❓ Q&A: Going from Beginner to Intermediate

Finding content at your level and how to approach conversation lessons

While I don’t consider myself an expert, I enjoy sharing insights into my language-learning experiences. Some of the questions posed coincide with the questions I have. Question 4 for example is one I’ve recently asked myself. Answering the question helped me figure out where I needed to go to continue progressing.

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Q&A

Q1: How do you approach conversation classes? e.g. do you ask the tutor to pick a topic or do you decide what to focus on?

I’m relatively new to conversation classes in my language-learning journey! I had my first conversation lesson four years into learning Mandarin. However, for French, I prioritized lessons sooner as I wanted to develop my speaking skills along with other skills.

I approach conversation classes in two ways: 

1. Casual Conversations on Various Topics (usually daily life) 

During my casual conversations, my tutor may prompt me by asking a question such as what my plans are for the weekend. The conversation then flows naturally based on my plans and interests.

2. Audio Practice and Feedback

Occasionally, I practice speaking by recording my voice on my phone. Sometimes, I choose one of my audio logs to share with my tutor. During a lesson, my tutor and I listen to the recording. My tutor then offers feedback on areas such as pronunciation and grammar.

Q2: Do you have any strategies for finding content in your target languages that interests you, and is somewhat appropriate for your level?

Finding content that matches your level can be challenging especially when it comes to your interests. For example, I like reading, and the genre I enjoy reading the most is science fiction. Depending on the book, reading sci-fi can be a challenge because of the concepts.

To answer your question though, here is a list of strategies categorized into reading and watching/listening: 

Reading Strategies

• Choose books with visuals so you don't have to rely only on text (e.g., graphic novels) 

• Combine reading with listening to an audiobook

  • If your listening skills surpass your reading skills, you may comprehend more by listening

• Read graded readers which are designed for learners

Watching/Listening Strategies

• Watch media with subtitles to aid your comprehension (reading be helpful if the speech is too fast to understand)

• Listen to audio/watch videos with transcripts/subtitles

• Explore videos and podcasts created for language learners

Additional Tip: Use your personal interests to search for target language content that aligns with them. You may find that even with content above your level, you are able to stay engaged and make meaning.

Q3. How does that language quest thing work? It looks really cool! Thanks for sharing it

Language Quests is a challenge made by Jo Renee Languages. The quests change each month and are a fun way to change your language-learning routine! 

Q4: How do you get past the beginner level in a language completely different from your own?

Start, put in consistent effort, repeat. I think that's how I would summarize going from beginner to intermediate in Mandarin. Stay persistent and enjoy the journey along the way.

Despite my answer, it feels inadequate especially as I am working to the intermediate level in all my French skills. If you also feel my answer was inadequate, I hope these actionable steps are beneficial.

1. Prioritize extensive listening at the beginning stages. If your target language is completely different from your native language, you likely haven’t been exposed enough to the sounds. Listen to people speaking the language and notice how the language sounds. 

2. Expand your foundational vocabulary to increase your comprehension of the spoken language. You can do this by using flashcards, textbooks or by writing down the words you hear often. 

3. Output what you can. Personally, creating audio logs was the best for me at the beginning. Recording yourself encourages continuous speech, and minimizes unnecessary pauses. This helps you transition into thinking in your target language rather than translating.

4. Get feedback. You don't know what you don't know. Give yourself feedback (if you have enough knowledge/awareness to listen to recordings and correct yourself) and/or get feedback from tutors or language partners.  

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Extra Resources

If you’re new here, I have some posts that can provide more information for those of you looking for more actionable steps. Some of these posts are specific to Mandarin but they also include useful tips for any language!

1. Understanding Native Speech

2. Improving Your Listening Skills (Mandarin)

3. Learning Vocabulary in Another Language

4. Developing Your Reading Skills (Mandarin)

For more, you can always check out this page:

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