How do you go about measuring fluency for 8 different languages?
This year, I’m sharing the journey of my “octo-lingual” adventures, each language thriving at its own pace, with its own unique highs, lows, and lessons. The only way to really measure fluency is by taking note of the time spent learning and using the language.
From English to Greek, 2024 was a year of surprises, growth, and, of course, the occasional challenge. I’ll give you a look into how I’m measuring fluency and how you can do it yourself.
Let’s end the old year with a thoughtful review, so we can begin the new year with a bang!
MEASURING FLUENCY: THE BIG 4
1. English in 2024: The Everyday Companion
Usage Rating: 10
English is no longer just a language I speak—it’s embedded in my daily life. From bingeing Netflix to handling 80% of my work tasks in Shakespeare’s native tongue, it’s my constant companion.
However, this deep immersion has its quirks. While walking with my Serbian friend, Jelena, in Belgrade, I struggled to express myself in Italian. My brain, hijacked by English word terrorists, betrayed me with Americanized Italian phrases. Her response? “Basta con l’inglese!” (Enough with the English!)
Lesson Learned:
When you make a language an integral part of your life, it becomes second nature. But beware—it might sneak into your other languages!
2. French in 2024: The Reliable Old Friend
Usage Rating: 6
French and I took a bit of a break this year. Aside from listening to France 24 while cooking and catching a Woody Allen film (Coup de Chance), it didn’t feature prominently in my routine.
It was at its peak when I lived in Paris for five years, but now, my trusty old pal has taken a back seat to my other “language children.”
But here’s the magic of a well-learned language: it’s like riding a bike. No matter how long it’s been, it comes back quickly when needed.
Lesson Learned:
Taking a break from a language you know well doesn’t mean losing it—it’s always there, waiting for you to pick it up again.
3. German in 2024: The Quiet Companion
Usage Rating: 6
German had a low-key year. While it didn’t take center stage, I enjoyed reading Der Spiegel during downtime and catching up with my friend Max in full-on German conversations.
Even with limited practice, German felt natural—like slipping into a comfortable pair of lederhosen at a Bavarian festival.
It’s not as smooth as my French or Spanish, nor is it as culturally deep as my English, but it’s not far behind. Therefore, I know that it will remain an essential part of my language family until the day I can no longer breathe.
Lesson Learned:
Well-learned languages are like old friends. Even with long gaps, you can pick up right where you left off.
4. Spanish in 2024: The Everyday Energizer
Usage Rating: 8
Spanish was vibrant in 2024, from WhatsApp chats to Netflix marathons. My colleague, Berta, deserves a shoutout for keeping me sharp with slang like “¡menuda turra me ha dado este pavo!”
This is the language that keeps on giving, because even when I’m not using it for work purposes, it’s so widely spoken that it pops up when I least expect it. Plus, I always love how my personality seems to shine just a little more when I’m speaking good ol’ Espaňol.
Lesson Learned:
When a language excites you, it effortlessly weaves into your life. Keeping it fun is the secret to consistent use and growth.
MEASURING FLUENCY: THE LITTLE 4
5. Russian in 2024: The Geopolitical Pause
Usage Rating: 3
After visiting this beautiful country a few times in the past, I’ve barely gotten around to using the language recently. For obvious reasons, Russian took a back seat this year. While I occasionally listened to BBC Russian, it remained on standby due to the ongoing geopolitical situation.
This year reminded me how external factors can influence language use.
However, I’ve come too far in it to let it fall by the wayside, so I believe that sooner or later, it shall make a comeback in my life.
Lesson Learned:
Languages, like life, ebb and flow. It’s okay for some to take a pause—they’ll be ready when you are.
6. Portuguese in 2024: The Shadow of Spanish
Usage Rating: 4
Portuguese had a quiet year.
Funny enough, when I did speak it, Spanish words often snuck in. It was the language I had learned in the shortest amount of time, but I don’t really use it too often. Regardless, the similarity between the two helped maintain my Portuguese without much active effort.
It’s there, it’s idling, but it comes in handy whenever I long for Porto!
Lesson Learned:
When you know similar languages, one can support the other, keeping both alive with minimal maintenance.
7. Polish in 2024: The Summer Love
Usage Rating: 9
You know how parents can’t admit they have a favorite child?Well, I can admit that openly with one of my own language children. Polish continues to be a language I live in, especially during my summers in Kraków. Even if I’m not in Poland, my ears and eyes still beckon that lovely language on a daily basis.
From Gazeta Wyborcza to TVN24, I immerse myself in Polish culture and conversations regardless of my location. There’s an inexplicable bond between this lovely language and myself. Polish, I adore you!
LESSON LEARNED:
Living in a language, even part-time, creates a deeper connection. It’s about more than words—it’s about culture and shared experiences.
8. Greek in 2024: From Learner to User
Usage Rating: 7
This was the year Greek became part of my life.
Speaking it daily with my flatmate, Antonis, and now with Langua, turned practice into joy. Learning a language becomes much easier when the culture that’s associated with that language has beautiful beaches, tasty food and of course, free spirited people that are just as crazy as I am. In addition to all of that, I discovered wonderful podcasts and TV shows that added depth to my skills, but real-life use made it flourish.
This is the year where Greek went from a near B2 level to a definite B2 level and possibly beyond!
Lesson Learned:
When a language becomes part of your life, it transforms from something you study to something you live.
Closing Thoughts
Every language has its own rhythm in your life. Some, like English and Polish, shine brightly; others, like Russian and Portuguese, take a quieter role. And that’s the beauty of multilingualism—it’s a dynamic, ever-changing journey.
Which languages are you focusing on this year? Let me know in the comments!
Until next time, happy language learning!
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