How to reach native-level comprehension

Feb 20, 2024

You already speak the language and understanding relatively well.
But sometimes you still struggle with comprehension.
Especially when native speakers talk to each other.
If this is your situation, let's take your comprehension level from 80-90% to 99.99%.


There are 3 things you can do to improve comprehension when you're at an advanced level:
1. Memorise more vocabulary (I don't think this is your problem, unless it's niche vocab)
2. Listen to more podcasts by natives with a similar accent (this will take time, but works)
3. Listening practice with x1.5 or x2 speed materials.

Memorising more specialised vocabulary with associations:
At an advanced level you likely have a solid foundation of vocabulary.
However there may still be niche or specialised vocabulary that you encounter in certain contexts.
By expanding your niche-specific vocabulary through memorisation, you can better understand specific topics.
A broader vocabulary also allows you to grasp subtle differences in meaning, tone, and context, which is crucial for advanced comprehension.

Listening to more podcasts by native speakers with a similar accent:
Exposure to native speakers with a similar accent will definitely help.
Find a podcast and listen to it daily.
Listening to podcasts on various topics also exposes you to different vocabulary and contexts, further improving your comprehension skills.

Listening practice with x1.5 or x2 speed materials:
Listening to audio materials at an accelerated pace challenges your listening comprehension skills by forcing you to process information more quickly.
This practice can enhance your ability to follow rapid speech and train your brain to process language at a faster rate.
As you become more used to listening at higher speeds you'll find it easier to understand native speakers even when they speak quickly or use informal language.
If you train at a higher speed than real life.
Real life will feel slow.
And slow is easy.

If your comprehension of the language isn't perfect yet.
I recommend doing these 3 things regularly.
Especially the podcasts, because you'll also learn about the country and culture.

Is there a language you'd like to learn?

You too can learn a language in a few months. You can even become a polyglot if you want to. Get in touch for one-on-one coaching.

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