Does Your CEFR Italian Language Proficiency Level Match Your Speaking Skills?

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The European Union launched the Common European Framework of Reference for languages in 2001. Since then, language proficiency has been evaluated through six levels of knowledge: A1-A2-B1-B2-C1-C2, A1 being beginner and C2 the most advanced level.

So you have just taken and passed your Italian citizenship test, and your Italian language proficiency level is now officially marked as B1. Does that correctly describe your speaking skills?

On the book, it probably does. You are likely able to perform at a B1 level when required to say or react verbally according to test exercises. That's because you prepped yourself for that through many months of practice.

However, will you live up to your B1 proficiency diploma in a real-context conversation with native Italians? You probably won't, and deep inside you're fully aware of it. Therefore, you better hold on tight to that diploma in the most traditional and current Italian love for titles, because it might be all you got--unless you start working seriously, that is.

It is perfectly understandable to standardize language evaluations for the sake of a common framework. It all boils down to bringing order within one domain of a unified system of nations. Unfortunately, it is a well-known and established fact that standardized tests and evaluations make for extremely unreliable descriptors of human performance outside of the classroom and off textbooks. The revenues they generate, on the other hand, need some strong calculus skills to quantify.

When it comes to languages, this proves especially true of oral improvised communication. Lacking the right kind of practice, learners tend to rely on flimsy grammar rules and theory. However, those are soon forgotten, leaving some unfilled space. Even in the event they weren't, the brain can't keep up with the fast pace of improvised conversation and remember rules speedily enough. Consequently, slower reaction time, lack of vocabulary, inability to understand faster and colloquial speech, and lack of speech reflex development brings a learner's skills back down to beginner levels. Sad but true.

So, you're B1 on paper? You might likely have to consider yourself A2 (or lower) in real life communication scenarios, whether those actualize in oral or written form.

CEFR levels are like belts in martial arts. And belts are only good for holding up your pants.

So there's that.