🍉Language acquisition takes time.
It is difficult to provide an exact answer to how long it takes to be fluent in English as it depends on a variety of factors, including the learner's native language, age, education, motivation, and opportunities to practice. According to the UK government, immigrants should reach "ESOL Entry 3" or "B1 level" before being granted citizenship, which might take around 360 hours of study to achieve. However, many people who attend courses are visiting students rather than people settling in the UK, and immigrants tend to have varied levels of education. Some highly motivated learners can learn very quickly, while others may need several years of study to attain fluency. Exposure to hearing English is crucial, and children tend to be faster at learning speaking and listening than adults.
🍄Reading question:
What are some common challenges that immigrants face when learning English?
Ling, 40, who arrived five years ago
from China, found it difficult to learn English. "When I came here I was
pregnant and so I was at home for the next three years. It took me longer to
learn as I was very busy with the children."
Eventually she was able to begin taking
classes and now speaks good conversational English.
But even with classes, it can be a long
process to pick up the language.