Partially Fluent (adj.) — A descriptive term in psycholinguistics and second-language acquisition referring to an intermediate proficiency state in which an individual demonstrates functional communicative competence but exhibits measurable limitations in lexical retrieval, syntactic accuracy, or automaticity of speech production. Partial fluency is characterized by the ability to convey intended meaning across routine contexts while still relying on compensatory strategies—such as circumlocution, increased processing time, or simplified structures—to offset incomplete linguistic mastery.
Although he can handle day-to-day conversations and understand most basic commands, the new employee is only partially fluent in Spanish, and still requires assistance with technical terminology.
by RealnessElephantDos December 9, 2025
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