Levels > Beginners
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Language Learning
Things to consider
Beginners level assumes no previous knowledge of the language. Examples of courses at this level include Lagelands and Read Ukrainian.
The Council of Europe’s interpretation of this level of proficiency is defined by the CEFR descriptors of Levels A1 and A2.
On the global scale A1, students can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases, introduce themselves, and can ask and answer questions about personal details. They can also interact in a simple way, provided the other person talks slowly and clearly, and is prepared to help.
On completion of Level A2, the global language proficiency includes understanding sentences and frequently used expressions that relate to the areas of students’ most immediate relevance, such as personal and family information (example in Lagelands), shopping and employment. Students can describe in simple terms aspects of their background and immediate environment, can communicate in simple and routine tasks that require simple and direct exchange of information, and immediate needs.
However, global descriptors should be treated as orientation points only. If your objective is to develop specific language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing, as part of a comprehensive course, or a specific one, you should refer to the CEFR ‘can do’ descriptors for each individual skill.
- What level course do you want to offer? Will it be a comprehensive or specific-skills course? If comprehensive, do you aim to develop all language skills equally, or will you put more emphasis on some skills than others?
- What is the linguistic standard of your students at the point of entry? Does the same standard apply to all skills?
- What level do you want them to reach at the end of the course?
- How will you monitor progress and assess the language proficiency on completion of the course?
- Remember that the CEFR descriptors can be helpful in setting language-learning goals, in planning learning activities, and in evaluating proficiency.
Examples:
- Lagelands
- Read Ukrainian
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