Stuck at Level 3: The Overconfidence Trap
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...