When I lived in Brazil, I had little contact with people from other countries, and most of those I met were speakers of Portuguese, English or Spanish. For a long time, this led me to focus my foreign language studies on these two languages, especially English. However, when I moved to Porto, Portugal, I encountered a very different reality: I met people from all over the world, many of whom didn’t speak Portuguese or English. As someone fascinated by different cultures, this made me reflect on the need to know at least the basics of other languages. But where to start? What should I learn to achieve a good communication with people from different countries without needing years of study?
At first, there is no single standard for determining language proficiency across different languages. But the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR - https://www.coe.int/en/web/common-european-framework-reference-languages), created by the Council of Europe, is the most widely used reference. It provides a classification of six levels, from A1 (beginner) to C2 (advanced). Other languages have their own certifications, such as the HSK for Mandarin, the CELPE-Bras for Brazilian Portuguese, and the JLPT for Japanese.
In a globalized world where contact with different cultures is increasingly common, communication is highly relevant for fostering good relationships and preventing misunderstandings that could escalate into larger conflicts. The CEFR can serve as a starting point for those who wish to learn or assess their skills in foreign languages. Below is a brief description of what is expected at each proficiency level, from https://www.coe.int/en/web/common-european-framework-reference-languages/table-1-cefr-3.3-common-reference-levels-global-scale.
Basic User (A1 and A2)
Level A1: Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can introduce him/herself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where he/she lives, people he/she knows and things he/she has. Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.
Level A2: Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment). Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. Can describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.
Independent User (B1 and B2)
Level B1: Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken. Can produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest. Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes & ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.
Level B2: Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialisation. Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. 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.
Proficient User (C1 and C2)
Level C1: Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning. Can express him/herself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.
Level C2: 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. Can express him/herself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations.
For a more detailed overview of each level, refer to the CEFR self-assessment grid, available in multiple languages: https://www.coe.int/en/web/common-european-framework-reference-languages/table-2-cefr-3.3-common-reference-levels-self-assessment-grid.
Main Language Proficiency Tests
Proficiency tests assess reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills, often aligned with the CEFR, particularly for European languages. Some tests also include cultural knowledge, such as idiomatic expressions or social contexts. Below are the main tests for English and examples of tests for other languages:
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) Focus: American English, primarily used for admission to U.S. universities. Format: Four sections (reading, listening, speaking, and writing), lasting about 3 hours. Target Audience: Academic students. Relation to CEFR: Approximately B1–C1.
TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication) Focus: Communication in international work environments. Format: Two parts (reading/listening and speaking/writing), with simplified versions for beginners and intermediates. Target Audience: Professionals and companies. Relation to CEFR: A2–C1.
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Focus: British or American English, with academic (universities) and general (work/immigration) modules. Format: Reading (60 minutes), writing (60 minutes), listening (30 minutes), and speaking (10–15 minutes). Target Audience: Students, professionals, and immigrants. Relation to CEFR: A1–C2, depending on the score.
Cambridge English Qualifications Focus: General proficiency assessment, aligned with CEFR. Format: Specific exams for each level (A2–C2), testing reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Target Audience: Students, professionals, and academics. Relation to CEFR: A1–C2.
Other Languages
Many tests for European
languages, such as French (DELF/DALF), Spanish (DELE), European
Portuguese (CAPLE), German (TestDaF), and Italian
(CELI/CILS/PLIDA/CERT.IT), follow the CEFR. Asian languages, such as
Mandarin (HSK, levels 1–6) and Japanese (JLPT, levels N5–N1),
have their own systems but also assess vocabulary, grammar, and
cultural context. These tests certify skills for academic,
professional, or immigration purposes, tailored to each language and
culture.
Strategies for Learning a New Language
Know Your Starting Point and Set Clear Goals - Take free online placement tests to identify your current level. Then, define your learning objective, as the proficiency needed for a vacation differs from that required for a year-long work assignment or permanent immigration. Understand your motivation for learning the language and use the CEFR to set learning goals.
Practice Regularly and Engage with the Language’s Culture - Dedicate at least 15–30 minutes daily to the language. Select materials suited to your level and practice reading, writing, listening, and speaking (e.g., read blogs, news portals, or books; watch movies, series, or listen to podcasts and music; write and use AI or specialized apps for corrections; participate in cultural events, fairs, or festivals).
Seek Feedback and Interaction - Get help from teachers, fellow learners, or language apps. Join language exchange platforms or conversation groups to practice speaking with native speakers and receive constructive feedback.
Prepare for Proficiency Tests - If planning to take a test, familiarize yourself with its format and practice all four skills (reading, writing, speaking, and listening). Use official resources and sample tests available on the test providers’ websites to simulate exam conditions.
Conclusion
Mastering a new language opens doors to academic, professional, and cultural opportunities while fostering connections in an increasingly interconnected world. The CEFR provides a clear framework for assessing and developing skills, while tests like TOEFL, DELE, TestDaF, and HSK validate progress for formal purposes. With consistent strategies—such as daily practice, cultural immersion, and focused test preparation—you can progress from basic communication to near-native proficiency. Choose a goal, leverage available resources, and embark on your language-learning journey with curiosity and dedication.
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