Hi Language Buddy!

I want to discuss an interesting phenomenon that I've experienced numerous times during my language-learning journey. This is about how native speakers often overestimate my language proficiency. Let me tell you, it's both a blessing and a curse.

For instance, with Swedish, it's happened more than once that someone has assessed my skill level much higher than it actually is. I've had a teacher claim I was almost at a C2 level, and during an interview, I was told my Swedish was virtually error-free. But here's the thing - that's just not true. I wouldn't even comfortably claim C1. On my best day, I might agree to a solid B2, but that's a stretch, especially as I'm not actively studying Swedish right now.

The same has happened with Russian. Someone recently told me I was "definitely not a beginner". While I was flattered, the reality is, I still consider myself a beginner in Russian. These occurrences led me to wonder - why do people often believe I'm more proficient than I am?

Reflecting on this, I had an epiphany. It's likely tied to my approach to language learning - a combination of self-study and online language instruction. This method ensures my conversational understanding is pretty solid. With language learning, often you're able to understand more than you can actively produce. This passive understanding often outweighs active production, especially in conversational settings.

In a conversation, I usually grasp most of what is being said. Even if my own expressions are somewhat clumsy, people can still comprehend my intentions, and they don't always focus on the mistakes I might be making. This scenario creates the illusion that I speak better than I actually do.

It's not about boasting perfect grammar or vocabulary, but about communication. The ability to understand and be understood is paramount, even if the means of expression are not flawless. It seems that this capability to hold a conversation, despite the "clumsiness", tricks people into thinking my proficiency level is higher than it truly is.

If you're learning a language, I invite you to try this combined method of self-study and online language instruction. You might also find yourself immersed in this charming illusion where others believe your language skills are better than they are. And there's no harm in that, is there? After all, communication is the key, and if you're achieving that, you're on the right path.

So, until we meet again on our language-learning journey, take care, Language Buddy! And remember, it's not about perfection but communication. Keep up the good work!

Take care and until next time!