How long will it take to …?
There is no short, easy answer to this question. The length of time ncessary to learn another language varies greatly depending on the language studied (see below for Group I, II, III, and IV languages) and how much time and effort you can devote to the process and the skills (e.g., reading, listening, speaking, writing) and competencies (e.g., intercultural competence) you wish to develop.
Language Testing International, in response to the question “How Long Does it Take to Become Proficient”, provides the following length of training (i.e., contact hours) guidelines. Their estimates are based on individuals who completed full-time intensive and/or immersion, proficiency-based language training with an instructor and an in individual or small groups (1-4 students). A speaking test – an Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) – was used to rate the language learners and asses their performance.
Group I Languages
Including Afrikaans, Danish, Dutch, French, Haitian-Creole, Italian, Norwegian, Portuguese, Romanian, Spanish, Swahili, Swedish…
| Length of Training | Minimal Aptitude | Average Aptitude | Superior Aptitude |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 weeks (240 hours) | Intermediate Low | Intermediate Mid | Intermediate Mid |
| 16 weeks (480 hours) | Intermediate High | Advanced Low | Advanced Mid |
| 24 weeks (720 hours) | Advanced Mid | Advanced High | Superior |
Group II Languages
Including Bulgarian, Dari, Farsi, German, Greek, Hindi, Indonesian, Malay, Urdu…
| Length of Training | Minimal Aptitude | Average Aptitude | Superior Aptitude |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 weeks (480 hours) | Intermediate Low | Intermediate Mid/High | Intermediate High |
| 24 weeks (720 hours) | Intermediate High | Advanced Low/Mid | Advanced Mid/High |
| 44 weeks (1320 hours) | Advanced Mid/High | Advanced High/Superior | Superior |
Group III Languages
Including Amharic, Bengali, Burmese, Czech, Finnish, Hebrew, Hungarian, Khmer, Lao, Nepali, Polish, Russian, Serbo-Croatian, Sinhala, Thai, Tamil, Turkish, Vietnamese…
| Length of Training | Minimal Aptitude | Average Aptitude | Superior Aptitude |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 weeks (480 hours) | Novice High | Intermediate Low/Mid | Intermediate Mid/High |
| 24 weeks (720 hours) | Intermediate High | Advanced Low | Advanced Mid/High |
| 44 weeks (1320 hours) | Advanced Mid | Advanced High | Superior |
Group IV Languages
Including Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Korean…
| Length of Training | Minimal Aptitude | Average Aptitude | Superior Aptitude |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 weeks (480 hours) | Novice High | Intermediate Low | Intermediate Low/Mid |
| 24 weeks (720 hours) | Intermediate Low/Mid | Intermediate Mid/High | Intermediate High |
| 44 weeks (1320 hours) | Intermediate High | Advanced Low | Advanced Mid/High |
| 80-92 weeks (2400-2760 hours) | Advanced High | Superior | Superior |
Source: Judith E. Liskin-Gasparro. ETS Oral Proficiency Training Manual. Princeton, N.J.: Educational Testing Service, 1982. ILR ratings have been converted to reflect equivalent ACTFL ratings.
Two main frameworks/guidelines: The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) (used in Europe and other continents) and the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines/ILR SKill Level Descriptions (created by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages). Both describe what individuals can do with language in terms of skills and competencies. For a detailed comparison chart, please click here.
TLC group classes focus on listening and conversation skills from day one. They meet for two hours per week for nine weeks, so each level corresponds to 18 contact hours. Instructors will also provide study materials and resources for out-of-class study, but the amount of time individuals spend with those materials/resources will vary according to their needs/goals.
To reach the level of intermediate low, the approximate numbers of contact hours necessary are:
Group 1 Languages at TLC (French, Italian, Portugues, Spanish) @ 240 hours
Group 2 Languages at TLC (German & Hindi) @ 480 hours
Group 3 Languages at TLC (Russian) @ 480 – 720 hours
Group 4 Languages at TLC (Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Korean) @ 720 hours