What is the CEFR?

Summary

The Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) is a standardized system that categorizes English language proficiency into six levels, from A1 for beginners to C2 for advanced users. Developed by the Council of Europe and Cambridge ESOL, it offers a clear, objective way to measure and communicate language skills, crucial for learners, teachers, and institutions worldwide. The CEFR is instrumental in setting and achieving language learning goals, be it for travel, education, or employment, and has been influential globally, available in over 35 languages.

Takeaways

• 📚 The Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) is a standardized guideline for language proficiency levels.
• 🌍 CEFR is widely recognized and used globally, not just in Europe.
• 🔍 It provides an objective way to measure and describe language skills, which can be subjective otherwise.
• 📈 CEFR categorizes language proficiency into six levels, from A1 (beginner) to C2 (proficiency).
• 📚 A1 is the entry level, indicating a very basic understanding of the language.
• 🚀 C2 represents an advanced level of language proficiency.
• 📝 The framework assesses abilities in reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
• 👥 It is utilized by language learners, teachers, universities, governments, and employers.
• 🏫 Developed by the Council of Europe with support from the University of Cambridge ESOL examinations.
• 📖 CEFR has been influential and has been published in over 35 languages.
• 🔍 Cambridge English exams are aligned with CEFR levels, catering to various age groups and stages of learning.
• 🌐 Understanding one's CEFR level helps in achieving personal goals, whether for travel, education, or employment.

Q & A

What is the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR)?

The CEFR is a guideline used to describe achievements of learners of foreign languages across Europe and, increasingly, in other countries. It breaks down language learning into six levels, from A1 (beginner) to C2 (proficiency).

Why is it important for English language learners to know about the CEFR?

The CEFR provides a clear and objective way to measure and describe language proficiency levels, which helps learners, teachers, and institutions to set and assess learning goals.

How many levels does the CEFR categorize language proficiency into?

The CEFR categorizes language proficiency into six levels: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2.

What does the A1 level in the CEFR represent?

The A1 level represents a very basic language level where learners can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and introduce themselves.

What is the highest level of language proficiency according to the CEFR?

The highest level of language proficiency according to the CEFR is C2, which is described as a mastery level where learners can understand and express ideas fluently and spontaneously without obvious searching for expressions.

How does the CEFR help in assessing different language skills?

The CEFR assesses language skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening, providing a comprehensive view of a learner's abilities at each level.

Which organization developed the CEFR?

The CEFR was developed by the Council of Europe with extensive support from the University of Cambridge ESOL examinations.

How is the CEFR used by various stakeholders in language learning?

The CEFR is used by learners, teachers, universities, governments, and employers to set language learning goals, assess language proficiency, and determine language requirements for various purposes such as education, work, or travel.

In how many languages has the CEFR been published?

The CEFR has been published in more than 35 languages, making it a widely recognized standard for language proficiency globally.

What is the English Profile program and how does it relate to the CEFR?

The English Profile program is a partnership that includes Cambridge, which provides detailed descriptions of English grammar and vocabulary at each level of the CEFR, enhancing the understanding of language proficiency at different stages.

How can understanding one's CEFR level help in achieving personal goals?

Understanding one's CEFR level can help learners set realistic language learning goals, whether for travel, education, or employment, and can guide them in selecting appropriate language courses or materials.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Understanding the CEFR for English Language Learners

The Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) is introduced as a standardized tool to objectively measure English language proficiency. It categorizes learners into six levels, from A1 for beginners to C2 for advanced proficiency. The CEFR provides a clear and agreed-upon description of language skills, which is essential for learners to understand their current level and progress. It is utilized by various stakeholders including learners, teachers, universities, governments, and employers. Developed by the Council of Europe and supported by the University of Cambridge ESOL examinations, the CEFR is influential globally, available in over 35 languages, and has led to the creation of Cambridge English exams tailored to different learning stages. The English Profile program, partnered with Cambridge, offers detailed descriptions of grammar and vocabulary for each CEFR level, aiding learners in achieving their goals, whether for travel, education, or employment.

Keywords

💡Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR)

The CEFR is a guideline used to describe achievements of learners of foreign languages across Europe. It is central to the video's theme as it provides a standardized way to measure language proficiency. The script mentions that the CEFR breaks down language learning into six levels, from A1 for beginners to C2 for proficiency, which helps in understanding a learner's progress and needs.

💡Language Learner

A language learner refers to an individual who is in the process of acquiring knowledge of a foreign language. In the context of the video, the term is essential as it highlights the target audience for whom the CEFR levels are designed. The script discusses how different levels of language ability can be subjective and how the CEFR provides an objective measure for these learners.

💡Language Ability

Language ability refers to the skills and knowledge a person has in a particular language. The video emphasizes the importance of having a clear, objective way to describe these skills, which is where the CEFR steps in. It is mentioned that opinions about one's English level can be subjective, and the CEFR provides a universally accepted scale to measure and compare language abilities.

💡Subjective Opinions

Subjective opinions are personal views or judgments that are not necessarily based on facts or objective criteria. The script uses this term to illustrate the variability in how people might perceive someone's English proficiency, contrasting it with the CEFR's objective measurement system.

💡Skills

In the context of language learning, skills refer to the various abilities required to communicate effectively in a language, such as reading, writing, speaking, and listening. The video script mentions that a learner may be better at some skills than others, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive assessment tool like the CEFR.

💡Cambridge English Exams

Cambridge English Exams are a series of tests designed to assess English language proficiency. The script mentions these exams as they are aligned with the CEFR levels, providing a practical application of the framework. They cater to different age groups and stages of learning, from young learners to professionals.

💡Council of Europe

The Council of Europe is an international organization that was instrumental in developing the CEFR. The script highlights its role in creating a framework that has been influential beyond Europe, indicating its broad impact on language education and assessment.

💡University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations

This refers to the English as a Second or Other Language (ESOL) examinations conducted by the University of Cambridge. The script notes the extensive support provided by this institution in the development of the CEFR, underscoring its contribution to establishing a global standard for language proficiency.

💡English Profile Program

The English Profile program is a collaborative effort that provides detailed descriptions of English grammar and vocabulary at each CEFR level. The script mentions this program to illustrate how the CEFR is supported by resources that help learners and educators understand the specific language competencies required at each proficiency level.

💡Language Proficiency

Language proficiency is the degree of competence in a language. The video script discusses how the CEFR helps individuals understand their level of proficiency and what level they need to achieve, which is crucial for setting and meeting language learning goals.

💡Influential

To be influential means to have a significant effect on the actions, character, development, etc., of someone or something. The script describes the CEFR as 'very influential,' highlighting its widespread adoption and impact on language learning and assessment practices globally.

Highlights

The Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) provides a clear and objective way to describe language skills.

CEFR is essential for English language learners as it standardizes language proficiency levels.

Language ability can be subjective, varying between friends and employers.

CEFR categorizes language learning into six levels, from A1 (beginner) to C2 (proficiency).

A1 level represents a very basic understanding of the language.

C2 level signifies an advanced level of language proficiency.

CEFR assesses language skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening.

Cambridge English exams are aligned with CEFR levels for various age groups and learning stages.

CEFR is used globally by learners, teachers, universities, governments, and employers.

Developed by the Council of Europe and supported by the University of Cambridge ESOL examinations.

CEFR has been influential beyond Europe and is available in over 35 languages.

Individual language descriptions have been developed for each CEFR level.

Cambridge is involved in the English Profile program, offering detailed descriptions of English grammar and vocabulary at each CEFR level.

Understanding one's language level with CEFR helps achieve personal goals such as travel, education, or employment.

CEFR levels are useful for everyone, from young learners to professionals.

CEFR provides a journey map from beginner to proficiency in language learning.

Transcripts

As a language learner or teacher

you may have heard of Common European Framework of Reference

or CEFR, but what is it

and why does it matter for English language learners?

It's actually pretty simple.

Different learners have different levels of language ability

but opinions about your English level can be subjective.

Your friends may think your English is good but an employer might think it

is not good enough

and you may be better at some skills than others, for example you may be able

to read better than you can speak.

We need a clear objective way to describe language skills that

everyone can agree on.

This is what the CEFR provides.

The CEFR breaks down language learning

into six levels which it calls A1 to C2.

The starting point A1 describes a very basic language level.

As a learner you can move up the levels until you reach Proficiency, C2 level.

This is a really advanced level.

By describing what you can do in reading

writing, speaking and listening the CEFR will tell you where you are on the

journey from beginner A1 through to Proficiency C2.

There are many Cambridge English exams available for different ages and stages

of learning

all matched to CEFR levels from young learners

through to university and the workplace or simply for travel.

The CEFR was developed by the Council of Europe

with extensive support from University of Cambridge ESOL examinations.

People from all over the world use the CEFR to explain what level

of English they are at

and what level of English they need.

It is used by learners, teachers, universities,

governments and employers.

The CEFR has been very influential

and not only in Europe.

It's been published in more than 35 languages

and descriptions of individual languages have also been developed.

Cambridge is a partner in the English Profile program

which provides very useful descriptions of English grammar and vocabulary

at each level of the CEFR.

Understanding your language level will help you to

achieve your goal

whether it's going on holiday abroad, studying at school or university

or getting a job and that's why the CEFR levels

are useful for everyone.