Learning English can present a great number of challenges for those who are used to another language. English lessons are renowned for being difficult.
English proficiency levels are a way for people to start to understand how well somebody can speak the language. The system shows whether a speaker has a basic level of proficiency and can hold a very brief conversation, or whether they are fluent in the language.
On top of the existing challenges, slang can make things even more tricky for English learners. All over the UK, there are many different slang sayings and even quirky pronunciations that make things hard to understand.
The US influence on British culture, and vice versa, has been absolutely huge. This means that there are also many forms of American slang that have worked their way into the British version of English, something else for speakers to be familiar with!
Overview of English Proficiency Levels
The CEFR has six levels of language proficiency, which are the recognised standards for people learning English as a second language. They range from A1 for beginners, up to C2 for people who are proficient and fluent. There are tests and assessments that can be carried out that help to establish where on the spectrum people are.
A1 - Beginner:
The beginner level means that someone:
- Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases.
- Can introduce themselves and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where they live and people they know.
- Has a basic vocabulary and limited understanding.
A2 - Elementary:
Elementary level means that someone:
- Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of immediate relevance.
- Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information.
- Can describe aspects of their background, immediate environment, and matters related to immediate needs.
B1 - Intermediate:
Intermediate level B1 means that somebody:
- Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters.
- Can produce simple connected text on topics that are familiar or of personal interest.
- Can describe experiences, events, dreams, hopes, and ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.
B2 - Upper-Intermediate:
Someone with upper-intermediate levels of English proficiency:
- Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics.
- Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity.
- Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue, giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
C1 - Advanced:
Someone with a C1 level:
- Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts and recognize implicit meaning.
- Can express ideas fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions.
- Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic, and professional purposes.
C2 - Proficient:
A proficient speaker:
- Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read.
- Can summarise information from different spoken and written sources.
- Can express themselves spontaneously, very fluently, and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations.
These are the very basics of the system to give you an overview of what each of the different levels means. There is a lot more to it than just the bullet points above but this summarises what is meant by each of the proficiency levels.
Proficiency tests can show what level of language learning somebody has reached.
Why The CEFR System Exists
You might be wondering what the point of assigning these numbers and letters to proficiency levels is. In truth, there are many benefits to the CEFR system, helping to standardise language and provide a system for educational establishments and even employers to use. The purpose and benefits of proficiency levels include:
- Standardisation: Proficiency level frameworks provide a way to assess and describe language skills. This helps individuals, educators, and employers have a clear understanding of a person's language abilities.
- Goal Setting: The levels help learners set realistic language learning goals. As learners progress from one level to the next, they can see measurable improvements in their language skills.
- Assessment: Language proficiency levels that have been created are used in language assessments and certifications. They provide a basis for creating tests and exams that accurately measure a person's language abilities.
- Educational Planning: Educators can use proficiency levels to design language courses that match the needs and abilities of students. This helps create effective and targeted language learning programs.
- Employability: Proficiency levels are valuable in the job market. Employers can use them to assess the language skills of potential candidates, especially in roles where strong language abilities are essential.
A framework like this helps people to understand where they’re at with language, and even things like whether they’ll be able to do a certain job.
Embracing American Slang
All you need to do is watch the Academy Award ceremony in order to see how closely linked the UK and American cultures truly are.
Language and slang can often cross cultural borders, and certain American slang terms have indeed made their way into UK English, either through media, popular culture, or social interactions. Here are some American slang terms that have become common in the UK:
Cool: While "cool" is a universal term, its usage in the sense of approval or agreement is common in both American and UK English.
Awesome: Used to express enthusiasm or admiration, "awesome" has become widely used in the UK as well.
Dude: Although more associated with American English, "dude" has found its way into informal conversations in the UK, often used casually to refer to a person.
Chill: To relax or take it easy. This term is used to convey a laid-back attitude, as in “let’s chill out today”.
Hang out: Commonly used to describe spending time together in a casual manner, "hang out" is understood in the UK and used all the time.
Bummer: Used to express disappointment or frustration, "bummer" has made its way into UK slang.
No worries: A phrase used to indicate that something is not a problem, and it's all okay. This phrase originated in Australia before becoming common in the US, and has become quite common in the UK as well.
Y'all: While it's more associated with Southern American English, "y'all" is sometimes jokingly used in the UK for a similar plural "you."
Movie (as opposed to film): While "film" is the traditional term in the UK, "movie" has become more widely accepted, especially in casual conversation.
Gonna: Contractions like these, common in spoken American English, are often used informally in the UK as well.
Couch potato: A term used to describe a person who spends a lot of time sitting and watching television. This has become part of casual UK slang. The term was first used in US comics to show a lazy person.
24/7: Used to describe something that is available or happening all the time. This term is commonly used in both American and UK English but is thought to have started in the US.
Fries: While the term "chips" is traditionally used in the UK for thin slices of deep-fried potatoes, "fries" (common in the U.S.) is also used, especially in fast-food contexts. If somebody goes to a fast food restaurant they are likely to see fries on the menu instead of chips.
Trash can: Instead of "bin," some people in the UK use "trash can," especially if influenced by American English.
There are a lot more terms that have cropped up, especially in Gen Z media:
Why American English is Cropping Up More in the UK
The increase of American English terms and even abbreviations in the UK can be attributed to the global dominance of US media, technology, and popular culture. The United States is a major exporter of entertainment, including films, television shows, music, and digital content.
Think how many young people now have their favourite Twitch streamers or YouTubers, and how many of these are from the US. This exposes people in the UK to a constant stream of American terminology, colloquialisms, and expressions.
It works both ways. An article in 2021 claimed that “US children were watching so much of the British cartoon, Peppa Pig, they were developing English accents.”
The influence of American technology companies and the internet plays a significant role in the adoption of American English terms. Many widely used digital platforms, social media networks, and software applications are developed by American companies, leading to the incorporation of American terminology in these interfaces.
The process of Americanisation of language is also fueled by the globalised nature of business and trade. With multinational corporations using standardised communication and marketing strategies, American English terms become part of the international business lexicon. Additionally, academic and scientific research, often conducted and published in English, may utilise American English terminology, contributing to its integration into various professional fields.
There are plenty of traditionalists who aren’t happy with the influence of American culture and technology, and the way it is changing traditional British English. In the same way, people are often frustrated by mixing words such as "to" and "too". However, it continues to shape the linguistic landscape, leading to the increased usage of American English terms in everyday communication.
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