If you’re a complete beginner or maybe have an O-level or GCSE from years ago, this is the level of language training that will be correct for you.
Essentially, the first 2 levels are classified as ‘Basic User’ and they each take around 80 hours to complete, depending on private study and whether you are focusing on all four skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing. Of course it will take less if you have some knowledge of the language you are studying.
Imagine you were parachuted into a city and you had to find your hotel. If you completed A1 and A2 you would be able to understand most of the signs, ask for basic directions, check-in at the hotel and order from a restaurant: essentially you would survive!
In 2001, the Council of Europe launched a series of language levels (6 in total) evaluating people on their ability to communicate – not on whether they had an Abitur, Baccalaureate or A-level, an Abschluss, diplôme or degree.
These new levels are based around what you are able to do with the language, called logically, can-do descriptors. They are also divided into each of the 4 skills – listening, reading, speaking and writing.
They are therefore useful, not just for student evaluation, but also for your trainer to fine-tune your course plan. In discussions with the student and the sponsor, we can build goals and set outcomes for your training that mean you study what you need to study and no more.
Do you require group training or individual training?-
What language do you need to learn?-
Which hour block do you require?-
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).
Communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a basic and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters.
Describe in elementary terms aspects of your background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.
Understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at conveying factual messages.
Introduce yourself and others and ask and answer questions about personal details such as where you live, people you know and things you have.
Interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.
These holistic descriptors are taken from the Council of Europe website, updated in February 2018.
https://www.coe.int/en/web/common-european-framework-reference-languages/table-1-cefr-3.3-common-reference-levels-global-scale.
They are generic, but have since been adapted for more specific situations (eg business, tourism, academia) by ALTE (Association of Language Testers in Europe)
Training needs analysis form sent to Dialogue detailing outline requirements.
Assessment of student level and greater exploration of student/sponsor needs by phone, Skype or in person.
Outline programme created and submitted for approval from students and sponsor.
Foreign language course delivered and monitored.
Student develops skills and confidence to perform sophisticated business roles.
Feedback with recommendations for future study returned to students and sponsor.
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages is an international standard for describing language ability, set across 6 levels from A1-C2, and based on what you CAN DO at each level.
If you have a language GCSE, it’s nearest equivalent in CEFR is about A2. But remember, what you were able to discuss at 16 may not be so relevant in your job! If you have an A Level in a language, it’s nearer to CEFR B2. But of course, if time has elapsed since you took your exam, it may not be an indication of your current CEFR level. We can assess your level.
A1-A2 are classified as ‘Basic User’. Imagine you were parachuted into a city and you had to find your hotel. If you completed A1 and A2 you would be able to understand most of the signs, could ask for basic directions, check-in at the hotel and order from a restaurant: Essentially you would survive!
They each take around 80 hours to complete depending on which skill you need to focus on. Less if you already have some knowledge of the language you are studying. The more time you dedicate outside the classroom to homework and practice, the shorter the training time needed.
Yes, we can provide a certificate and you will also receive a detailed report establishing your current level according to the CEFR, language covered, your strengths and areas for improvement.
As a B2B provider for 25+ years, Dialogue has the experience you need. We understand time pressures and priorities and work around them. We consult closely with you at the start to prioritise content to your needs to make your course directly relevant to your day-to-day work and industry.
