Even if you've worked through every textbook, that doesn't make you speak another language.
When you're studying a foreign language, you tend to go deep into grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation… But it's the sociolinguistic factors that can open the most doors for you.
You may think that sounds crazy, but it couldn't be further from the truth.
Obviously, when you're learning a new language, you need to learn the grammar, the vocabulary and so on to build a solid base.
But in time, once you start to master it, you need to work on and practise everything that surrounds a language.
Things get complicated when you're with native speakers: not knowing how to connect with someone, let alone joke with them, can leave you blocked for life.
The key to understanding another culture's humour is knowing the language from the inside, so that one day you can relax, understand more and joke too, in any situation.
This is the hardest part of speaking another language. You can absolutely have a C1 in grammar and not really know a language.
Now I'm going to give you a few options that may help if you want to polish your language and truly let go.
First, have a native or bilingual language coach who knows the roots of the culture, the way people express themselves and live. For example, knowing that Germans tend to be very direct, or that the British communicate with an indirect politeness we barely use in Spanish-speaking countries.
Second, do an intensive course and get ready to travel for a while (a month at least) to a country where the language you're learning is spoken. It will be tough at first, but if you're on real language coaching, they'll prepare you so the landing is softer.
And third (this may be the hardest), find a native-speaking friend or partner who wants to practise the language constantly.
It never fails: you'll end up knowing and speaking that language perfectly.
As I said, having a C1 in grammar and not knowing a language can be fixed.
If you'd like to speak a language well, you can tell us what you need here.
We offer high-impact language coaching, both online and face to face.
If you want to sign up, write to us using the link above.
Have a good day.