How long does it take to learn English?

The following comes from a research article published by Cambridge University Press[1].

It illustrates the progress expected of a group of well-motivated adult learners, who spend 50% of their hours with a teacher in class and 50% of their hours on guided self-study tasks set by their teacher. Together, these hours are referred to as ‘guided learning hours’ or GLH.

[1] https://www.cambridge.org/elt/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/How-long-does-it-take-to-learn-a-foreign-language.pdf

Notes

There is considerable difference between the lower and higher numbers of hours stated per level and, consequently, cumulatively. The report states a number of factors that may affect a learner’s progress, both in the learning environment and in the learner.

1. The learning environment

Learning context, e.g. type of school and whether the learning is at home or in a country where the language is spoken.
Teaching methodology, including the teacher and their relationship with learners.
Intensity of programme, with more intensive programmes being more effective in general.
Group dynamics, acknowledging the potential impact of positive or negative classroom dynamics.
Access to useful resources for language learning, providing useful, comprehensible input, support and motivation.

2. The learner

Personal attributes, including age, gender, language aptitude, language learning styles and strategies, motivation and personality.
Beliefs about language learning and the nature of language learning, for example on whether they consider it inherently difficult, which may affect motivation.
Affect and emotion, for example the impact of language learning anxiety.
Clear learning objectives, as the clearer the objectives are, the greater the motivation levels tend to be.
First language, as where there are significant differences, the more difficult learning a language may become.

Our Medical English and exam preparation courses

We are Medical English, OET and IELTS preparation specialists. Our uniquely effective course design and delivery offers an unparalleled range of Medical- and exam-focused courses and tests.

Explore our courses: