If your child is just learning Russian as a foreign language, he or she may have problems with fluency.
It is difficult for anyone to formulate thoughts in a foreign language. Especially at the beginning of learning.
Most often, we first translate foreign phrases into the language we are accustomed to. And only then do we pronounce them. This makes the speed of thought formulation very slow. So does the speed of speech.
But sometimes the speech rate can be slow in the native language as well.
How to improve «fluency» for those who are just learning Russian? And for those who speak it. Let's find out in this article.
Fluency assessment
Fluency is the ability to express your thoughts quickly, clearly and competently. In any language.
It is not only the speed of articulating a thought. It is the correct use of words in phrases and a large vocabulary.
Accordingly, the assessment of fluency takes into account far more than just speech rate.
Fluency problems mainly arise when learning foreign languages. Especially at the initial stage.
The vocabulary is still too small to fully disclose the thought with all the constructions. And it is not yet possible to formulate sentences quickly.
Problems can also occur in native speakers. Fluency is usually low in children. But adults can also suffer from this problem. For example, if they have a small vocabulary.
Fluency test
Fluency is assessed not only to understand a person's vocabulary and literacy. The test shows the state of cognitive functions of the brain. It even helps in diagnosing dementia.
The test taker has to tell the maximum number of words in a certain period of time. For example, 60 seconds.
Most often these should be words from the same group. For example, nouns, fruits or countries.
In this way the richness of vocabulary, memory and the ability to quickly select appropriate words are shown.
How to develop fluency
To develop verbal fluency, the first thing you need to do is to increase your vocabulary. And there are 3 main ways to do this:
1. Reading
It is reading books that allows you to learn more and more new words. And at the same time to understand how they should be used correctly in speech. And it is worth reading both modern literature and classical literature.
You can also add watching movies and TV series to your reading. But this will only improve your speaking skills. Therefore, the emphasis should be on reading.
2. communication
Active communication in a foreign language helps you formulate your thoughts faster. You won't even notice how you stop translating every word into the language you are used to and start thinking in a foreign language. And this is the key to fluency.
3. Brain workout
Fluency in any language is related to the cognitive functions of the brain. And these can be developed. To do this, you should regularly engage in games and puzzles. They not only develop speech. But they also help prevent many age-related diseases.
But, what to do if a child has fluency disorders in his/her native language? How to identify and deal with them?
There are norms of spoken speech by age. By the age of 6, children have completed the development of competent pronunciation of sounds. But the vocabulary of the child grows throughout life. And here much depends on the parents.
Pay attention to the child's speech, where there is a large number of words-parasites. And if the child has difficulty formulating thoughts.
If you notice that your child's speech is too poor, with stuttering. If even you find it difficult to understand his or her thoughts, it is worth seeing a specialist.
And to improve a child's fluency, you should apply all the same tips we described above. They are suitable for any language.
Remember that fluency is not just a parameter. It is how you show yourself in the society. Richness and literacy of speech adorns any person and gives him a lot of opportunities in life. It is also the youthfulness of your brain. That is why it is so important to develop «fluency»!
