Most ELLs may find themselves using their native language most of the time, rather than practicing their newlynew language, and this impedesmay theimpede their progress they had made earlier on.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-12-12|title=Who is an English language learner?|url=https://www.languageacademia.com/post/who-is-an-english-language-learner|access-date=2021-12-17|website=Language Academia |language=en}}</ref> When using the acquired second language, many ELLs enter a stage called "the silent period." During this period the ELL is familiar with the language but does not use it. This period of not speaking can last 6 weeks or more depending on the person.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Gibbons |first=John |title=The Silent Period: An Examination |journal=Language Learning |volume=35 |issue=2}}</ref>
Once the ELLELLs begins to use the second language they typically use brief phrases and short words. With time, the individualthey may begin to feel more comfortable with using the new language. The length of duration for an ELL to become fluent in the second language depends on the individual themselves and their strength in their native language. <ref>{{Cite web |date=2008-08-27 |title=Language Acquisition: An Overview |url=https://www.colorincolorado.org/article/language-acquisition-overview |website=www.colorincolorado.org}}</ref>
