From Struggle to Fluency: Learning to Live (Not Just Survive) in a New Language.

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When we start learning a new language, there’s a familiar wave of doubt that often hits: Will speaking this language ever feel natural? Will I always sound awkward? Will I ever be able to joke, connect, and express myself like a native?

These questions are so common—and yet so deeply personal for every learner. That’s why I was genuinely moved when one of my students recommended a podcast episode that speaks directly to these fears. It resonated with me so much that I immediately shared it with all my students who are currently navigating their own moments of frustration and self-doubt.

In this episode of La Fabrique à Polyglottes, guest speaker Katy Beauvais from The French Instinct brings over 20 years of language teaching & learning experience to the table. More than that, she brings her heart and personal experience as a multilingual speaker. Her message? Language learning isn’t just about grammar drills or perfect pronunciation. It’s about learning to live in the language—not just survive in it.

The Missing Link: Creating an Immersive Environment

Katy talks about what she calls the "chaînon manquant"—the missing link—between learning a language and living it authentically. That link is immersion. Not the kind where you have to move abroad, but one you can create for yourself wherever you are: by surrounding yourself with the language in everyday ways—through podcasts, music, videos, and real conversations.

This immersive environment helps your brain stop “translating” and start thinking in the language. But it also does something more subtle and powerful: it builds intuition.

Intuition & Tolerance for the Unknown

One of the most refreshing parts of the conversation was the emphasis on “tolérance à l’inconnu”—the idea that it’s completely okay not to understand everything. In fact, it’s part of the process. Listening without understanding every single word trains your brain to tune into patterns, rhythm, and meaning over time.

This intuitive side of language acquisition is often overlooked, but it’s what allows you to move beyond textbooks and into real-world fluency.

Speak Imperfectly—But Speak

Another essential reminder? Don’t wait for perfection to start speaking. One of the biggest blockers in language learning is fear—fear of making mistakes, sounding silly, or not being understood. But the truth is, speaking imperfectly is still speaking. And every time you do, you get one step closer to fluency.

As Katy says, bilinguals aren’t magical creatures who effortlessly switch between languages. They’re people who’ve gone through the awkward phase, stumbled through their sentences, and kept going anyway.

Final Thoughts

This episode isn’t just a boost of motivation—it’s a roadmap for anyone who’s stuck between knowing the rules and actually feeling at home in a new language. If you’re learning French (or any language) and feel like you’re hitting a wall, I can’t recommend it enough.

Let go of the need for perfection. Build your immersive bubble. Embrace the unknown. And most importantly—keep speaking.