One of the biggest challenges for language learners is interacting with native speakers. While it's an essential part of learning a new language, it can also be frustrating and challenging. Recordings in school and spoken examples in language apps are much slower and more deliberate than native speakers in the wild; while that's a great starting point, it's essential to sprinkle in faster, more natural input from native speakers that’s not recorded for the sole purpose of learners understanding them.

Here are some of the problems and frustrations that language learners face when interacting with native speakers:

1. Difficulty understanding: One of the most common frustrations for language learners is difficulty understanding native speakers. Native speakers often speak quickly and use idioms and slang that may be unfamiliar to non-native speakers, making it challenging to keep up with the conversation.

2. Fear of making mistakes: Another problem that language learners face when interacting with native speakers is a fear of making mistakes. This fear can lead to anxiety and self-consciousness, making it difficult to communicate effectively in the language.

3. Feeling left out: Language learners may also feel left out of conversations when interacting with native speakers. Native speakers may switch to their native language or use words and expressions that the learner is not familiar with, making it difficult to follow the conversation.

4. Lack of confidence: Finally, interacting with native speakers can lead to a lack of confidence in language learners. This can be particularly true when language learners are in a new social or professional setting, and they may feel unsure of their ability to communicate effectively in the language.

Interacting with native speakers is an essential part of language learning, but it can also be challenging and frustrating. Language learners may face difficulty understanding, fear of making mistakes, feeling left out, and a lack of confidence when interacting with native speakers. However, with patience, practice, and perseverance, language learners can overcome these challenges and develop the confidence and skills necessary to communicate effectively in their new language.

Sygmatic uses social media videos that people post around the world because they’re organic! No one in our curated selection of videos is speaking extra slowly, carefully, and deliberately just so you can understand them clearly. That’s the kind of content that will help you to pick up on the nuaces of fluid speaking and ultimately feel more comfortable in conversations.