I was surprised to read your posting since I feel it is so accurately identify the nuances of languages. I feel as if I am looking into a rear view mirror. I came from Korea to the US in my early 30’s. For the first part of my new life, I struggled speaking in English immensely. I know that this is not an exaggeration.

I feel the same to date although it is to a much lesser degree. I find it difficult to mimic comprehensive words and expressions at times. I sometimes get drown in the sea of grandiloquence during a meeting at work or a political talk on telly. So it was natural that I blame my accent.

I am enlightened; it is all about context. I know that I no longer have a thick Asian accent. I have no problem going about my day. But I am still struggling to express my opinions and convince the audience during a meeting. It is because of the context you are speaking of! Becoming familiar with the context in spoken language is definitely harder than its written counterpart. I think that my writing can be passible. Whereas native speakers would easily identify me as an “alien” on the phone. This proves your point.