A Successful L2 Speaker

As you prepare to set off on your adventure to teach English, I am sure that you are jumping with excitement to help your awaiting students become successful.  Their success will of course be measured against the course outcomes and your list of assessed student needs, but let’s get really general for just a second.  What does a “Successful L2 Speaker” look like?  There are a great many opinions and conclusions on this subject, but being the biased author that I am, I would love to share a short list of what I consider to be a “Successful L2 Speaker.”

• They can communicate well with native speakers. 

• They can be understood easily by others.

• They can speak effectively and clearly in various situations.

• They can speak fluently and clearly on a wide range of topics.

Arguably, the main goal of second language learning is to be able to communicate with people who speak another language than you do.  Successful communication is always the end goal.  It is important to help your students speak in a way that they can be understood and to help your students expand their range in communication potential.  It is not enough to help your students communicate clearly on just one topic alone.  Maybe your students come to you already capable of navigating a doctor’s visit.  Can they explain the plot of their favorite movie?  Can they communicate their religious beliefs?  Can they discuss the politics around a current world event?  Communication potential is strengthened when communication range is expanded.  

**Avoid getting caught in the thinking trap that a “Successful L2 Speaker” sounds like a “native speaker.”  There is nothing wrong with your students having an accent.  Remember, the goal is successful communication, not native simulation.**