How Does the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) Work
When we learn a language, often it is necessary to demonstrate our level of proficiency through a certification. This gives an exact measure of our abilities and capacity to perform in that language in both social and professional terms. Thus, it is normal for a company to ask us for a certification when we postulate to a job that requires the performance of activities in other languages. In such a way the employer can be confident that we will be able to perform adequately in day-to-day activities. This is why it is relevant to understand the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), which is the main scheme for foreign language equivalencies and validation of competencies in Europe.
What is the CEFR?
The Common Framework of Reference is the international standard to measure linguistic competencies in a language used by any country in the European Union. It is adapted and used throughout the world to measure such competencies, mainly through dividing the learning level of students, starting at basic level A1 to the more proficient level C2.
In other words, the Common Framework of Reference reflects how well you speak and understand a foreign language. It is a measure specially designed for any language of European origin, so that it is possible to find equivalent measures for English, French and German, just to name a few. It should be noted that this framework is part of the linguistic policy of the Council of Europe that seeks to unify guidelines and models for the teaching of languages inside its territory. This is why the CEFR is not linked to any specific language test.
The Different Levels Within the CEFR
To classify the level of knowledge of students in various languages, there are five main levels of reference:
- A1: Represents a basic level of knowledge with the ability to communicate in day-to-day situations with basic phrases and vocabulary.
- A2-B1: This is the pre-intermediate level for those that have some fluency in communication and the ability to speak and make themselves understood by native speakers.
- B1: This includes persons with an intermediate level in a foreign language. They can communicate effectively with native speakers or persons in a more advanced level.
- B2: It is part of the more advanced levels, although still within the intermediate level of knowledge.
- C1-C2: This are the advanced levels within the classification. It includes persons that can undertake complex tasks in a job or contemplate studying any profession abroad in that language.
Where is the CEFR Valid and Why is This Important?
The CEFR was designed by the Council of Europe in the 1990s with the purpose of promoting collaboration among teachers of languages in the countries inside the European Union. Also, it sought to give greater clarity to companies and educational institutions on the way to evaluate competencies and linguistic abilities. In effect, its main objective was to serve as a framework for language teaching courses and to validate abilities at work.
This framework is the main model used for the teaching of languages in Europe, both in public educational institutions and private teaching systems. The CEFR has gained strength in recent years, replacing various learning systems that utilized different grading schemes.
The vast majority of education ministries in the European continent set their objectives on the basis of this method. Even for persons seeking a job, companies and organizations use a standardized grading in examinations, such as the Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC), to validate the level of English. The adoption of the CEFR is gaining strength outside Europe. There are several countries in Asia and Latin America that have adapted their educational systems to align with this methodology.
I Want to Know My CEFR Level
If you are a student or a professional that needs to validate your language skills, you can take a standardized test. To this effect, we recommend consulting with the official language teaching institutions of the language of your interest in Europe, such as the Alliance Française in the case of the French language, the Instituto Cervantes for Spanish, and Goethe Institut for German. Keep in mind that this method is intended to measure abilities specifically in European languages.
At Servicio Lingüístico Empresarial our online courses are aligned to the Common European Framework of Reference and were designed to provide your team with a service of the highest quality. We can develop a learning scheme focused on the specific requirements of your company. Get to know all the solutions we offer in this website. If you have any questions, please contact us. At SLE our purpose is to provide an excellent and internationally competitive service so that you can achieve your professional goals.
