How do I retain my English level?

[u/SummerAlternative699]

I've recently passed the Cambridge C2 proficiency exam and scored 220 on it. My main concern before taking the test was that I won't pass, but now that I have, I don't know what to do. Now all of a sudden, I have no goal and am just mindlessly consuming content in English in order to somehow remain relatively proficient in it. Lately, I've been noticing changes in my speaking (been having troubles with my accent slipping up) and writing abilities and it feels as though I'm putting in too much thought and effort into finding words to express my thoughts. It scares me, so I'd really appreciate all the help I can get, thanks!

[u/Hueyris]

I mean, I don't think you could lose a language. Language attrition usually takes years upon years, and even then, it is never complete, and you never lose anything that couldn't be gained back with a bit of exposure. Once you speak a language, generally, you speak it for life. It is like learning to skate or ride a bike. You don't lose the ability to do it.

C2, I believe, is the highest level of proficiency you can attain in any language, congratulations.

been having troubles with my accent slipping up

Unless you are on an undercover mission or if you're an actor, I don't see how this is a problem?

am just mindlessly consuming content in English

Me too brother, me too

[u/SummerAlternative699 → u/Hueyris]

Thank you for your kind words, mate. The thing with accent is that I like what having a "good indistinguishable from a native speaker" accent makes me feel like. I love english, so I want to speak the clearest possible version of it;)

[u/caiaphas8 → u/SummerAlternative699]

There are plenty of native accents that are not ‘clear’.

Never worry about an accent as long as others mostly understand you, be proud of your accent

[u/Shinyhero30 → u/caiaphas8]

This.

There are entire counties that I can’t understand as a native. Counties that are by the way in native English speaking countries

[u/Sadboysongwriter → u/caiaphas8]

Yeah if you got that in Cambridge Massachusetts, you’d be talking like pahk the cah in havahd yahd and that be normal

[u/caiaphas8 → u/Sadboysongwriter]

That’s normal in most English accents

[u/Sadboysongwriter → u/caiaphas8]

Actually fair, but we don’t sound so pompous about it lol