How long does proficiency take to develop?

How long will it take my child to learn the second language?

While the process can vary between students, it typically takes 1-3 years to acquire social language (the language of the playground) and at least five years or more to acquire academic language (the language of school). Students encountering a second language for the first time may experience a "silent period" that lasts anywhere from one day to six months or more. This does not mean that the brain is silent. It simply means that the student may be hesitant to orally interact in the new language. During this time, they are acquiring receptive understanding, and should not be forced to speak. Even as they develop proficiency, children may be reluctant to "perform" in their second language for adults at home.

The following are some common stages that students experience as they learn a second language:

STAGE OF LANGUAGE ACQUISITION	GENERAL BEHAVIORS OF STUDENTS
Silent/Receptive Stage (ACTFL Novice) Up to 6 months 500 receptive words	point to objects, act, nod, or use gestures say yes or no speak hesitantly
Early Production Stage (ACTFL Novice) 6 months to 1 year 1000 receptive/active words	produce one-or two-word phrases use short repetitive language focus on key words and context clues may appear to have a smaller vocabulary than other children in each language, but a larger vocabulary across the two languages
Speech Emergence Stage (ACTFL Intermediate) 1-2 years 3000 active words	engage in basic dialogue respond using simple sentences
Intermediate Fluency Stage (ACTFL Intermediate) 2-3 years 6000 active words	use complex statements state opinions and original thoughts ask questions interact in more lengthy conversations
Advanced Fluency Stage (ACTFL Advanced - Superior) 5-7 years content area vocabulary	converse fluently understand all grade-level classroom activities argue and defend academic points read grade-level textbooks write organized and fluent essays

The five stages of language acquisition described above are a general framework for understanding how students progress as they learn a language. However, it must be noted that language learning is an ongoing, fluid process that differs for every student. Children may move between stages of language acquisition, depending on the linguistic and cognitive demands of the academic language.

(Adapted from http://www.ascd.org/publications/books/108052/chapters/The-Stages-of-Second-Language-Acquisition.aspx)