Language proficiency is a measurement of how well an individual has mastered a language. We have talked about it in our Blog before focusing on the tests that actually evaluate that proficiency, such as IELTS, TOEFL and TOIEC.
Proficiency is measured in terms of receptive and expressive language skills, syntax, vocabulary, semantics, and other areas that demonstrate language abilities.
There are four domains to language proficiency: reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
In order to more accurately represent your level of proficiency on your resume and or job application, please use the CEFR, which was already covered in another article on our Blog.
The following is just an overview of the common language terms and possible definitions, once there are no universal standards of measurement, but also the shared view of the teachers of Brisk Languages. Our founder and director - Natália Droichi, passionately defined the difference between Fluency and Proficiency, after teaching over 3000 students throughout 17 years as an English teacher, and helping many of them get the score they needed on several proficiency tests. These two terms specifically, are very commonly used and mistaken in Brazil and there is no common ground as to each one would be better to “hire”.
Basic Knowledge – This would be an elementary level, consisting of knowledge of vocabulary words, ability to speak simple phrases or sentences, with some difficulty understanding native speakers, elementary reading and writing skills.
Conversant - An intermediate level where the speaker is able to handle a variety of uncomplicated, basic, and communicative tasks and social situations. Can talk simply about their self and family members. Can ask and answer questions and participate in simple conversations on topics beyond the most immediate needs. Reading and writing skill may or may not be at the same level.
Fluent - A high level communication abilities in a foreign, or learned language. At the fluent level, a speaker will have fluid speech as opposed to halting use. Generally, a person who is fluent in a foreign language will show skill in all the areas of the language, specially the ability to comprehend and understand speech as well as t produce speech and be understood by its speakers
What we normally say is that a fluent speaker doesn’t necessarily dominates the grammar, lexical terms and nuances of a language. Take my grandma for instance, she has never learnt how to write but she was a fluent speaker of her native language, Portuguese, she could read, make herself understood and sign her own name, but she couldn’t produce written texts. This never prevented her from communicating without any problems. Take the mistakes native speakers, in any language make, because the importance while speaking is making yourself understood, mostly in the environment you were raised or live in, by using colloquialisms, idioms and slang. This is precisely the definition of a:
Native Speaker – The language that is your primary language. That is usually learned during childhood and is considered your “mother-tongue”. A native speaker is definitely fluent - he correctly and easily uses his first language, in a proper sense as well as understands it, but also makes common mistakes that do not affect their communication but have been simply implemented over time or by influence of the arts (the example of “she don’t”, in English, by its wide usage in music).
Proficient – The word, proficient, means a well-advanced skill level. In terms of language, the “proficient” label can refer to someone who is very skilled in the use of a language and uses it correctly, with no mistakes, and with a capacity of developing a thought or conversation in any level or context. It means a person is able to express herself and comprehend the language in all its abilities - Writing, Reading, Listening and Speaking, as well as understand its grammar and lexicality, using from slang and idioms, to a more vernacular language. Simply put, it can both use the formal and informal language, which is something a native speaker could be find at fault in a proficiency test.
Many native speakers who need a high score in proficiency tests fail to obtain it because they rely on their innate ability and do not consider the technicalities of the language, needed to strategically demonstrate how you can defend an argument, interpret text and formally address any question asked. And this is why English students can actually obtain good scores on proficiency tests if well oriented, guided by experienced teachers, and with an overall dedication in learning English.
If you intend to take a test in the near future, or are curious to pass the fluency level, get in touch with us, we’ll be pleased to help and guide you.
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