At which stage of language acquisition does a learner attain near-native fluency?

The stage of Advanced Fluency is characterized by a learner's ability to communicate with a high degree of proficiency, akin to that of a native speaker. During this stage, individuals can comprehend and engage in complex conversations, express nuanced ideas, and handle academic language and concepts with ease. They demonstrate a strong command of grammar and vocabulary, allowing them to maintain fluid discussions and adhere to the social and cultural norms of the language.

Learners at this level can also understand idiomatic expressions and exhibit natural conversational skills. This fluency emerges after significant exposure to the language and consistent practice, often following the Intermediate Fluency stage, where learners can function independently but may still make occasional errors or requires some support in advanced contexts. Thus, near-native fluency is most accurately aligned with the Advanced Fluency stage.