It definitely does not take that long to become conversationally fluent, especially for related languages (english/spanish/italian/french, etc). In a few months

It definitely does not take that long to become conversationally fluent, especially for related languages (english/spanish/italian/french, etc). In a few months of daily, hardcore practice with western languages, you can become definitely conversationally fluent (speaking and understanding w/out any problems). With eastern languages it might take longer---but it doesn't take as long as you think if you are sufficiently motivated. I speak italian, portuguese, spanish, and english, and will be studying hindi later this year