Language is something that is very complex and difficult to measure. There are a lot of different ways to learn languages, and as time has gone on, there are fewer standardised methods. People don’t tend to follow a curriculum as closely as they may have when learning historically, and as many people now use DuoLingo as learn languages in schools, for instance.
It is important to know how proficient someone is at a language. For example, in a job interview or application it is crucial to explain what level you can speak a language to. Can you converse with the locals or just say a few words? There is a whole spectrum of language levels and a few ways to measure language proficiency.
Language proficiency levels can also be a way to pair up learners for language exchange, which we are also covering in this guide. What is a language exchange, and how can it be helpful for language learning?
Overview of Proficiency Levels
Language proficiency levels are often categorised into several common frameworks that provide a standardised way to describe an individual's ability to use a language. These frameworks help learners, educators, and employers understand and assess language skills consistently. Two widely used language proficiency frameworks are the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and the Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) scale. Here's an overview of these levels of language proficiency.
Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR):
A1 - Beginner:
- Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and basic phrases.
- Can introduce themselves and others and ask and answer questions about personal details.
A2 - Elementary:
- 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.
B1 - Intermediate:
- Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters.
- Can deal with most situations likely to arise while travelling in an area where the language is spoken.
B2 - Upper-Intermediate:
- Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics.
- Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers possible.
C1 - Advanced:
- Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognize implicit meaning.
- Can express themselves fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions.
C2 - Proficient:
- Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read.
- Can summarise information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation.
People who want to know what level they are in can undergo testing, including online flexible tests offered by Cambridge English, which can provide a clear idea of where on the scale you are and certification to show others if you need to.
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Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) Scale
The Interagency Language Roundtable Scale has different scores for listening, reading, speaking, and writing. Each skill has its own level that is rated between 0 and 5.
The guidance below can alter depending on the type of skill, but are generally explained below:
0 - No Proficiency:
- No practical proficiency.
1 - Elementary Proficiency:
- Basic communication needs.
- Can satisfy routine travel needs and minimum courtesy requirements.
2 - Limited Working Proficiency:
- Can fulfil routine social demands and limited work requirements.
- Can handle routine work-related interactions.
3 - Professional Working Proficiency:
- Can speak the language with sufficient structural accuracy and vocabulary to participate effectively in extended conversations on most familiar topics.
- Can discuss particular interests and special fields of competence with reasonable ease.
4 - Full Professional Proficiency:
- Able to use the language fluently and accurately on all levels pertinent to professional needs.
- Can understand and participate in any conversations within the range of personal and professional experience.
5 - Native or Bilingual Proficiency:
- Equivalent to that of an educated native speaker.
- Fully proficient in the use of the language in all aspects of professional and personal communication.
Both of the language learning frameworks help individuals, employers, and educational institutions assess language proficiency objectively and provide a common reference for language learners and teachers worldwide. Keep in mind that these descriptions are general and may vary slightly depending on the organisation or context in which they are used.
Enhancing Skills Through Language Exchange
The way we learn language and communicate has changed. For many learners, one of the most enriching experiences is engaging in a language exchange. A language exchange, often referred to as language tandem or language partnership, is a unique approach that brings together individuals looking to improve their language skills by conversing with native speakers of the language they are learning, and in the modern age of Zoom calls, forums, and online socialising, it is becoming easier to set up a language exchange, which can help both people trying to learn.
The proficiency levels above can be key in choosing a partner, too.
What is a Language Exchange?
A language exchange is a mutual arrangement between two individuals who want to learn each other's languages.
This method of learning languages typically involves two partners, each fluent in a different language, who come together to practise and enhance their language skills through conversation. The primary goal is to create a reciprocal learning environment where both participants benefit from exposure to a native speaker.
Sites and apps like Tandem are helping people to link together and find ways to talk as penpals and improve their skills together. People can choose to have more than one language partner, of course.
One study on those learning English as a foreign language showed that there was a big advantage in having a learning partner who speaks the language, assisting people in hitting their goals.
How Language Exchanges Can Work
Language exchanges can vary, of course. They don’t all look the same and the distance between the countries can make things more tricky, especially if there aren’t great digital connections.
- Pairing Up:
Participants seek language exchange partners through language exchange platforms, community meet-ups, language schools, or online forums. The pairing is often based on the languages each partner wants to learn as well as the proficiency levels explained.
- Reciprocal Learning:
Language exchanges are built on the principle of reciprocity. Each participant takes turns speaking and practising their target language while providing support and corrections to their partner. For instance, if you are getting words like "either" and "neither" mixed up.
- Structured Sessions:
Partners may choose to structure their sessions based on specific topics, themes, or language proficiency levels. This ensures a focused and constructive learning environment.
- Flexibility and Informality:
Unlike formal language classes, exchanges are often informal and flexible. Participants can tailor their conversations to their interests, making the learning experience more engaging. They may also find out things like abbreviations, slang, and other grammar tops they wouldn’t get from textbooks or language apps.
- Cultural Exchange:
Language exchanges naturally incorporate cultural elements, allowing participants to gain insights into each other's cultures, customs, and traditions. This cultural exchange enhances language learning by providing context and depth to the conversations.
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Benefits of Language Exchanges
Now we know how they work, let’s dive into some of the practical benefits of these types of language exchanges and why they’re so useful for learners.
Real-life Conversational Practice
Language exchanges offer an invaluable opportunity for learners to practise real-life conversational skills. Engaging in authentic conversations with native speakers helps learners develop fluency, improve pronunciation, and gain confidence in using the language in various contexts.
Immediate Feedback and Corrections
Having a native speaker as a language partner allows for immediate feedback and corrections. Whether it's refining grammar, pronunciation, or vocabulary usage, learners benefit from real-time guidance, helping them avoid common mistakes and reinforcing correct language usage.
Personalised Learning
Language exchanges allow participants to tailor their learning experience based on their interests and goals. Whether discussing specific topics or focusing on particular language skills, the flexibility of exchanges caters to individual learning preferences. If the native speaker heard you using who or whom incorrectly or choosing the wrong pronouns then this can be a chance for them to be corrected.
Increased Exposure to Native Pronunciation
Exposure to native pronunciation is crucial for language learners. Through a language exchange, learners not only hear correct pronunciation but also have the opportunity to mimic native speech patterns, contributing to improved listening and speaking skills. When we learn online or through an app, it can sometimes be tough to know exactly how things are said. We can also learn about other conversational factors like passive-aggressive language.
Expanded Vocabulary
Engaging in conversations with native speakers exposes learners to colloquial expressions, idioms, and vocabulary used in everyday language. This enriches their vocabulary and provides a more comprehensive understanding of the language, as well as the right use of certain words in the language.
Conclusion
There are lots of different approaches to learning languages, but whichever you take, it is a good idea to keep track of your proficiency levels. Language exchange alone can leave gaps in knowledge, you need to understand how to spell and use the right terms like "too" instead of "to". If you’re learning for practical reasons, this can help you to prove your abilities or show the level of language use you have. On top of that, a language exchange partner can be a great way to learn the language from a local, and enhance things like pronunciation.
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