Why Can I Understand But Not Speak a Language?

Learning a new language is an exciting experience that helps you build confidence and broadens your range of opportunities. However, it can also be incredibly frustrating. For example, many people understand words but struggle to speak fluently. Is this a challenge you are facing?

If so, you might find yourself comprehending conversations. You can tell the meaning of every word and even get the idioms and cultural nuances. Yet, at the same time, you might feel tongue-tied when it is your time to speak. When you try to express yourself in your target language, you feel unable to do so.

Unfortunately, this is a common experience for language learners worldwide. But understanding why it happens can help you break through language barriers. In this article, you will explore the fascinating phenomenon of receptive bilingualism. You will discover why comprehension does not always translate to speaking ability. Plus, you will uncover the strategies that will help you become a confident speaker!

Illiterate but for Speaking: Understanding Language Without Fluency

Many people comprehend words in a foreign language but struggle to form coherent sentences. They might even have studied the grammar of that language but lack the linguistic competencies to speak it. Why does this happen? And how can you prevent it from happening to you?

Understanding Foreign Language Without Fluency

Language comprehension in a foreign language is a complex process. However, as a learner, you know there is a massive difference between understanding a language and speaking said language.

This phenomenon becomes obvious in multilingual families or immigrant families with young kids. When the children start school, they might lose confidence and stop speaking their family languages. They are exposed to a dominant majority language that their parents probably also know.

Thus, the situation naturally evolves to a point in which they grow to understand their household language without being able to speak it. At that point, they have become passive speakers. Dig deeper into this concept.

The Key Concept: Receptive Bilingualism

Receptive bilingualism is the ability to understand a language while not yet being able to speak it. For instance, someone might understand but not speak Spanish. Other names for it include passive speaking or passive bilingualism.

For example, many of our members in The Journey are of Portuguese descent. Although many of their family members speak Portuguese, they never got enough exposure to start verbal expression in the language. Hence, they struggled to move beyond passive speaking and become active bilinguals. As such, they can understand the Portuguese language but not speak it.

The Journey gave them the cultural and linguistic exposure they needed to take the next step. The interactive exercises in the course helped them close that gap and become proficient. They are learning to speak like the natives and interact naturally with the local community. Would you like to try it too? Click HERE to get your free 7-day trial!

The Importance of Understanding Your Target Language

Language acquisition is a complex brain process. By focusing on comprehension, you build the essential groundwork for speaking, writing, reading, and listening abilities. Your brain becomes increasingly alert and adaptive during this process. Developing these skills takes time and patience, but it is incredibly rewarding.

Learning at your own pace allows you to progress without time pressures and discover the right tools and methods. During this time, your mind works hard to transform sound impulses into meaningful information you will later use to speak the language. This cognitive skill helps you develop a strong foundation.

So, there is no doubt understanding is a stepping stone to fluency. Still, how can you develop your skills to reach the next step?

Developing Language Skills

Developing language skills requires mastering the four skills: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Oral proficiency is essential for learners to improve fluency and become better speakers. Specifically, speaking practice is particularly crucial for overcoming receptive bilingualism.

Even simple sentences can help build confidence and linguistic ability. Language learners should prioritize effective communication over perfect pronunciation or grammar. Making mistakes is a natural part of the learning process. Embrace opportunities to speak, even if you feel uncertain.

Start with basic phrases and gradually expand your vocabulary and sentence complexity. Patience and persistence are essential when transforming passive understanding into active communication.

Your Brain And Language Learning

There are many areas of your brain connected to language learning. Three of them are particularly interesting if you are struggling with receptive bilingualism.

The Wernicke’s area is the most connected to understanding and has been associated with language processing. Then, there is the Broca’s area, the part of your brain responsible for speech production and articulation. Finally, the Angular Gyrus helps you associate words with different contexts, pictures, ideas, and sensations.

Additionally, your brain will react differently depending on whether you are learning a second language as a child or an adult. In fact, your brain stores the languages you acquire after becoming a grown-up in distinct critical areas.

You have looked at the importance of understanding a language and why you might struggle with speaking a second language. You have also learned how your brain processes and stores new languages. Now, move on to how you can overcome your barrier and become a confident speaker.

Overcoming the Barrier to Speaking in a Foreign Language

Overcoming the barrier to fluency requires practice and exposure to native speakers. As you have seen above, many learners find it challenging to speak English and other languages fluently despite understanding them well.

You will not become an active speaker overnight. However, with consistent effort, you will see improvements in your abilities, and you will reach your goals.

5 Steps to Free Yourself From Native Language and Practice Speaking

1. Language learners should start speaking as soon as possible to become a fluent speaker. Our advice is to start from day one. But if you have been learning for a while, the second best time is now. You will start building your confidence, even if it is just a few words or phrases.
2. Speaking with a conversation partner or tutor can help. In The Journey, we also have Live Practice Portuguese Sessions available as an extra. Our students can get together with a native speaker and fellow learners to practice and improve their speaking skills in a safe space through conversational practice.
3. Embracing learning as a part of your life is another crucial step. After all, learning will become more challenging if you do not get enough exposure and practice. Doing so will also reduce anxiety and boost your confidence.
4. Making mistakes is a natural part of the language-learning process. As a learner, you might be afraid to take risks and try new things. But there is beauty in being outside your comfort zone. Natives will appreciate your efforts to speak and help when you get something wrong.
5. Trust the process. Learning a new language is all about consistency. A little time every day is better than many hours every once in a while. Consistency is the key to forming and strengthening new pathways in the brain, making all your efforts worthwhile.

Wrapping up On: Take The Next Step to Speak a Foreign Language!

Learning a new language is about overcoming challenges and making exciting discoveries. Understanding why you struggle to speak might help you take the next step toward fluency. Many learners face Passive bilingualism. It is a common difficulty regardless of your mother tongue and the language you are learning.

But you can overcome it through practice and exposure. These are the keys to developing your skills. Do not be afraid to make mistakes when communicating in your target language. Confidence comes from consistent effort and a willingness to engage with native speakers.

Remember that comprehension is a crucial foundation for eventual fluency. At the same time, speaking requires courage and persistence. What has helped you gain the strength to practice your target language even when you feel scared? Leave your comment below. We would love to hear about your experiences!

To transform your language learning experience, check out our European Portuguese course, The Journey. The course is specifically designed to help English speakers overcome their fear of speaking and interact confidently with native speakers. Your language-learning adventure starts now! Click the button below to sign up.