Fluency in Communication

Fluency is an ability to express yourself readily and effortless. A transition from mental concepts to articulated speech is automatic and instinctive for a native speaker. But it can be quite a challenge for an EAL learner. That is why language learning process should give enough attention to fluency-based issues.

So, what aspects can make an EAL learner a fluent speaker? First of all, I want to point out an ability to use natural speech and authentic discourse. Even if a learner’s speech is grammatically “spotless”, but he keeps using archaisms in his speech, he will sound "weird" and will still have problems with expressing his ideas. One of the ways to gain “authenticity” and “naturalness” in speech is to repeat whatever learners listen to in real life (phrases from movies, song lyrics, people talking in a bus (of course to avoid awkwardness in this situation, it’s better to repeat phrases silently), an EAL teacher’s questions or instructions, etc.).

Another attribute of the natural language is idiomatic language. Apparently you can’t get far in developing fluency skills if you don’t know and can’t use idioms and idiomatic expressions (set phrases, phrasal verbs, etc.)

One of the fluency-based challenges for an EAL learner includes applying correct tone and register. In other words different types of situations require particular types of language to use (talking to a boss, talking to a neighbour, talking to a close friend). If we add numerous language functions (giving advice, apologizing, having an argument, etc.) the variety of communication situations will grow at an exponential rate. It’s impossible to learn all the cases, but using discourse chains in the learning process is a good way to promote fluency.