MSI Press Blog

  excerpt from  Individualized Study Plans for Very Advanced Students of Foreign Languages  by Betty Lou Leaver Chapter Two The Need for an ISP at High Levels of Foreign Language Proficiency Achieving near-native competence generally does not come by serendipity, coincidence, accident, or “a fluke,” although occasionally (rarely) such things do happen. I know of several people who have said that high level proficiency just happened to them—but even so, it was only after many, many years of study and use of the foreign language in professional situations. Most high-level language users have reported spending much time in direct instruction, study abroad, and self-study (Leaver, 2003a). The average length of time taken by native-like speakers of nearly any foreign language, based on recent research, is 17 years (Leaver and Atwell, 2002). Some learners have been able to achieve this level, however, in much shorter periods of time. Most of these learners had a plan for their ...

  🗣️ Want to Transform Your Language Skills into a Powerful Communication Tool? Learn to Use Strategic Exercises and Tools for Seamless Conversations Language isn’t just about words—it’s about presence. It’s your ability to express, connect, and respond with agility across cultures and contexts. But how do we transform textbook knowledge into fluent, confident dialogue? That’s where the strategic exercises in Boris Shekhtman’s  How to Improve Your Foreign Language Immediately  shine. These tools aren’t just clever—they’re  field-tested by diplomats, educators, and professionals  who needed language to  work  in real time. Let’s explore how you can make your own skills feel seamless and natural. 🎯 One-Minute Exercise: Fluency in Motion This exercise trains you to speak continuously for one minute on any topic—no notes, no pauses. It boosts thinking speed, encourages improvisation, and helps overcome the fear of making mistakes. Over time, it builds co...

  Discover the Tools That Make Communication Feel Natural and Effortless Let’s be honest—learning a foreign language isn’t just about mastering grammar or memorizing vocabulary lists. It's about finding your voice in another tongue, navigating real-life conversations without freezing up, and feeling confident enough to keep the dialogue flowing—even when words escape you. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Luckily, there’s a book that reimagines fluency not as perfection, but as  functionality . Boris Shekhtman’s  How to Improve Your Foreign Language Immediately  arms learners with practical, field-tested tools that diplomats and professionals have used to succeed in high-stakes communication scenarios. 🧠 Communicate First, Polish Later Forget the myth that you need to know  everything  before you speak. Shekhtman’s methods prioritize real-world interaction through: Verbose Communication : Use what you know to say what you mean—even if it takes mor...

  In the journey of language learning, reaching Level 3—often labeled “Professional Working Proficiency”—feels like crossing a major threshold. You can spleak (speak + explain) with ease, navigate meetings, write reports, and even joke around a bit. You’re accepted. You’re functioning. You’re doing professional work in the target language. And that’s exactly where the danger lies. 🚧 The Illusion of Arrival Level 3 is seductive. It offers comfort, validation, and a sense of linguistic arrival. But it’s not the summit—it’s base camp. The real climb to Level 4, where nuance, precision, and cultural depth reside, demands a different kind of effort. And overconfidence is the silent saboteur that keeps learners stuck. Overconfidence at Level 3 manifests in subtle but powerful ways: You assume you're being understood. You spleak, and people nod. But are they truly grasping your intent, or just interpreting your words through generous context clues? You assume you're right. Yo...