Interagency Language Roundtable Language Skill Level Descriptions – Listening

The following proficiency level descriptions characterize comprehension of the spoken language. Each of the six "base levels" (coded 00, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50) implies control of any previous "base levels" functions and accuracy. The "plus level" designation (coded 06, 16, 26, etc.) will be assigned when proficiency substantially exceeds one base skill level and does not fully meet the criteria for the next "base level." The "plus level" descriptions are therefore supplementary to the "base level" descriptions.

A skill level is assigned to a person through an authorized language examination. Examiners assign a level on a variety of performance criteria exemplified in the descriptive statements. Therefore, the examples given here illustrate, but do not exhaustively describe, either the skills a person may possess or situations in which he/she may function effectively.

Statements describing accuracy refer to typical stages in the development of competence in the most commonly taught languages in formal training programs. In other languages, emerging competence parallels these characterizations, but often with different details.

Unless otherwise specified, the term "native listener" refers to native speakers and listeners of a standard dialect. "Well-educated," in the context of these proficiency descriptions, does not necessarily imply formal higher education. However, in cultures where formal higher education is common, the language-use abilities of persons who have had such education is considered the standard. That is, such a person meets contemporary expectations for the formal, careful style of the language, as well as a range of less formal varieties of the language.

以下能力等级描述用于刻画对口语语言的理解能力。六个“基础等级”（编码为00、10、20、30、40、50）均隐含已掌握所有较低基础等级的功能与准确度。“加号等级”（编码为06、16、26等）适用于能力明显高于某一基础等级，但尚未完全达到下一个基础等级标准的情况。因此，“加号等级”的描述是对“基础等级”的补充说明。

语言能力等级由经授权的语言测评考试评定。考官依据多种表现标准进行等级判定，这些标准体现在以下描述性陈述中。因此，所给示例仅用于说明可能具备的能力或可有效应对的情境，并非穷尽性描述。

关于“准确度”的表述，反映的是在正式教学项目中，对最常教授语言而言，能力发展过程中常见的阶段。在其他语言中，能力发展的总体轨迹与这些描述相似，但具体细节可能不同。

除非另有说明，文中“母语听者”指使用某一标准方言的母语使用者。“受过良好教育”在本等级描述中并不必然指接受过正式高等教育；然而，在高等教育较为普遍的文化中，受过此类教育者的语言使用能力通常被视为标准，即能够符合当代社会对正式、审慎语言风格的期待，并能运用多种较不正式的语言变体。

(No Proficiency) No practical understanding of the spoken language. Understanding is limited to occasional isolated words with essentially no ability to comprehend communication. (Has been coded L-0 in some nonautomated applications.

(无能力) 对口语语言几乎没有实际理解能力。仅能偶尔听懂个别孤立词语，基本无法理解交流内容。
(在某些非自动化系统中编码为 L-0。)

(Memorized Proficiency) Sufficient comprehension to understand a number of memorized utterances in areas of immediate needs. Slight increase in utterance length understood but requires frequent long pauses between understood phrases and repeated requests on the listener's part for repetition. Understands with reasonable accuracy only when this involves short, memorized utterances or formulae.

Utterances understood are relatively short in length. Misunderstandings arise due to ignoring or inaccurately hearing sounds or word endings (both inflectional and non-inflectional), distorting the original meaning. Can understand only with difficulty even such people as teachers who are used to speaking with non-native speakers. Can understand best those statements where context strongly supports the utterance's meaning. Gets some main ideas. (Has been coded L-0+ in some nonautomated applications.)

(记忆性能力) 具备理少量记忆性话语的能力，限于直接生活需求领域。可理解的话语长度略有增加，但理解过程中需要频繁、较长的停顿，并需反复请求对方重复。仅在涉及简短、已记忆的句式或固定表达时，才能较准确地理解。

可理解的话语总体仍较短。误解常源于忽略或听错语音或词尾（包括屈折与非屈折形式），从而歪曲原意。即使习惯与非母语者交流的教师，理解起来也仍然困难。对语境强烈支持意义的陈述理解效果最好，能够抓住部分主旨。(在某些非自动化系统中编码为 L-0+。)

(Elementary Proficiency) Sufficient comprehension to understand utterances about basic survival needs and minimum courtesy and travel requirements in areas of immediate need or on very familiar topics, can understand simple questions and answers, simple statements and very simple face-to-face conversations in a standard dialect.

These must often be delivered more clearly than normal at a rate slower than normal with frequent repetitions or paraphrase (that is, by a native used to dealing with foreigners). Once learned, these sentences can be varied for similar level vocabulary and grammar and still be understood.

In the majority of utterances, misunderstandings arise due to overlooked or misunderstood syntax and other grammatical clues. Comprehension vocabulary inadequate to understand anything but the most elementary needs. Strong interference from the candidate's native language occurs. Little precision in the information understood owing to the tentative state of passive grammar and lack of vocabulary.

Comprehension areas include basic needs such as meals, lodging, transportation, time and simple directions (including both route instructions and orders from customs officials, policemen, etc.). Understands main ideas. (Has been coded L-1 in some nonautomated applications.)

(初级能力) 具备理解基本生存需求以及最低限度礼貌与出行需求的能力，限于直接需要或非常熟悉的话题。能够理解使用标准方言的简单问答、简单陈述以及非常基础的面对面交流。

通常需要对方比正常更清楚、语速更慢地表达，并伴随频繁重复或改述（多由熟悉与外国人交流的母语者提供）。一旦学会，这些句式可在同等级词汇和语法范围内变化，仍能被理解。

多数误解源于对句法及其他语法线索的忽视或误解。理解词汇量不足，只能应对最基本需求。母语干扰明显。由于被动语法尚不稳固、词汇量有限，对信息的理解精确度较低。

理解范围包括：饮食、住宿、交通、时间、简单方向（包括路线指示及海关、警察等的指令）。能够理解主要意思。（在某些非自动化系统中编码为 L-1。）

(Elementary Proficiency, Plus) Sufficient comprehension to understand short conversations about all survival needs and limited social demands. Developing flexibility evident in understanding a range of circumstances beyond immediate survival needs. Shows spontaneity in understanding by speed, although consistency of understanding is uneven.

Limited vocabulary range necessitates repetition for understanding. Understands more common time forms and most question forms, some word order patterns, but miscommunication still occurs with more complex patterns. Cannot sustain understanding of coherent structures in longer utterances or in unfamiliar situations.

Understanding of descriptions and the giving of precise information is limited. Aware of basic cohesive features (e.g., pronouns, verb inflections) but many are unreliably understood, especially if less immediate in reference. Understanding is largely limited to a series of short, discrete utterances. Still has to ask for utterances to be repeated. Some ability to understand facts. (Has been coded L-1+ in some nonautomated applications.)

(初级能力加) 具备理解涵盖全部生存需求及有限社交需求的简短对话的能力。对超出生存需求的情境表现出一定理解灵活性。理解速度有所提升，显示一定自发性，但稳定性仍不均衡。

词汇量有限，常需重复才能理解。能理解较常见的时态和大多数疑问句形式，掌握部分语序模式，但在更复杂结构中仍易产生误解。无法在较长话语或陌生情境中持续理解连贯结构。

对描述性语言及精确信息的理解有限。能意识到基本衔接手段（如代词、动词词形变化），但理解不稳定，尤其在指代不直接时。理解多局限于一系列简短、离散的话语，仍需频繁请求重复。对事实性内容具备一定理解能力。（在某些非自动化系统中编码为 L-1+。）

(Limited Working Proficiency) Sufficient comprehension to understand conversations on routine social demands and limited job requirements. Able to understand face-to-face speech in a standard dialect, delivered at a normal rate with some repetition and rewording, by a native speaker not used to dealing with foreigners, about everyday topics, common personal and family news, well-known current events and routine office matters through descriptions and narration about current, past and future events; can follow essential points of discussion or speech at an elementary level on topics in his/her special professional field.

Only understands occasional words and phrases of statements made in unfavorable conditions, for example through loudspeakers outdoors. Understands factual content. Native language causes less interference in listening comprehension. Able to understand facts; i.e., the lines but not between or beyond the lines. (Has been coded L-2 in some nonautomated applications.)

(有限工作能力) 具备理解日常社交需求及有限工作需求相关对话的能力。能够理解使用标准方言、正常语速（伴随少量重复或改述）的面对面交流，即使对方并不习惯与外国人交流。可理解日常话题、个人及家庭消息、熟知的时事、常规办公事务的描述与叙述，涵盖现在、过去与将来。能够在本人专业领域内，理解初级层面的讨论或讲话要点。

在不利条件下（如户外扩音器）仅能理解零散词语和短语。能够理解事实性内容。母语干扰明显减少。能理解“字面意思”，但尚不能理解“言外之意”或“深层含义”。（在某些非自动化系统中编码为 L-2。）

(Limited Working Proficiency, Plus) Sufficient comprehension to understand most routine social demands and most conversations on work requirements as well as some discussions on concrete topics related to particular interests and special fields of competence. Often shows remarkable ability and ease of understanding, but under tension or pressure may break down.

Candidate may displayweakness or deficiency due to inadequate vocabulary base or less than secure knowledge of grammar and syntax. Normally understands general vocabulary with some hesitant understanding of everyday vocabulary still evident. Can sometimes detect emotional overtones. Some ability to understand implications. (Has been Coded L-2+ in some nonautomated applications.)

(有限工作能力加) 具备理解大多数日常社交需求、大多数工作相关对话，以及部分与个人兴趣或专业领域相关的具体话题讨论的能力。常表现出较强的理解能力与流畅度，但在紧张或压力情境下可能出现理解失误。

词汇基础不足或语法、句法掌握不牢固仍可能造成弱点。一般词汇理解良好，但对部分日常词汇仍存在犹豫。可在一定程度上察觉情感色彩，并具备有限的推断含义能力。（在某些非自动化系统中编码为 L-2+。）

(General Professional Proficiency) Able to understand the essentials of all speech in a standard dialect including technical discussions within a special field. Has effective understanding of face-to-face speech, delivered with normal clarity and speed in a standard dialect on general topics and areas of special interest; understands hypothesizing and supported opinions.

Has broad enough vocabulary that rarely has to ask for paraphrasing or explanation. Can follow accurately the essentials of conversations between educated native speakers, reasonably clear telephone calls, radio broadcasts, news stories similar to wire service reports, oral reports, some oral technical reports and public addresses on non-technical subjects.

Can understand without difficulty all forms of standard speech concerning a special professional field. Does not understand native speakers if they speak very quickly or use some slang or dialect. Can often detect emotional overtones. Can understand implications. (Has been coded L-3 in some nonautomated applications.)

(一般专业能力) 能够理解标准方言中几乎所有口语内容的要点，包括本人专业领域内的技术性讨论。能有效理解语速和清晰度正常的面对面交流，涵盖一般话题和专业兴趣领域，能够理解假设性表述和有依据的观点。

词汇量充足，极少需要对方改述或解释。能够准确跟进受过良好教育的母语者之间的对话，较为清晰的电话交流，广播新闻（类似通讯社稿件）、口头报告、部分技术性口头报告以及非技术性公众演讲。

在本人专业领域内，几乎所有标准口语形式均可无困难理解。但若母语者语速极快，或使用较多俚语、方言，则理解可能受限。常能察觉情感含义，并理解隐含意义。（在某些非自动化系统中编码为 L-3。）

(General Professional Proficiency, Plus) Comprehends most of the content and intent of a variety of forms and styles of speech pertinent to professional needs, as well as general topics and social conversation. Ability to comprehend many sociolinguistic and cultural references. However, may miss some subtleties and nuances.

Increased ability to comprehend unusually complex structures in lengthy utterances and to comprehend many distinctions in language tailored for different audiences. Increased ability to understand native speakers talking quickly, using nonstandard dialect or slang; however, comprehension is not complete.

Can discern some relationships among sophisticated listening materials in the context of broad experience. Can follow some unpredictable turns of thought readily, for example, in informal and formal speeches covering editorial, conjectural and literary material in subject matter areas directed to the general listener. (Has been coded L-3+ in some nonautomated applications.)

(一般专业能力加) 能够理解多种形式和风格的口语内容及其意图，涵盖专业需求、一般话题和社交对话。对社会语言和文化指涉具备较强理解力，但仍可能遗漏部分细微差别和语义。

在理解复杂句法结构和较长话语方面能力增强，对针对不同受众调整的语言差异有更高辨识力。对母语者快速语速、非标准方言或俚语的理解能力提高，但仍非完全无障碍。

能在广泛经验背景下，辨识较复杂听力材料之间的关系，并可跟随某些不可预测的思路转折，如正式或非正式演讲中的评论性、推测性或文学性内容。（在某些非自动化系统中编码为 L-3+。）

(Advanced Professional Proficiency) Able to understand all forms and styles of speech pertinent to professional needs. Able to understand fully all speech with extensive and precise vocabulary, subtleties and nuances in all standard dialects on any subject relevant to professional needs within the range of his/her experience, including social conversations; all intelligible broadcasts and telephone calls; and many kinds of technical discussions and discourse.

Understands language specifically tailored (including persuasion, representation, counseling and negotiating) to different audiences. Able to understand the essentials of speech in some non-standard dialects. Has difficulty in understanding extreme dialect and slang, also in understanding speech in unfavorable conditions, for example through bad loudspeakers outdoors.

Can discern relationships among sophisticated listening materials in the context of broad experience. Can follow unpredictable turns of thought readily, for example, in informal and formal speeches covering editorial, conjectural and literary material in any subject matter directed to the general listener. (Has been coded L-4 in some nonautomated applications.)

(高级专业能力) 能够理解与专业需求相关的所有口语形式和风格。对所有标准方言中、涉及本人专业范围内任何主题的口语内容，均能全面理解，包括社会性对话、各类可理解的广播与电话交流，以及多种技术性讨论和论述。

能够理解针对不同受众而专门设计的语言（如说服、陈述、咨询、谈判等）。对部分非标准方言的要点亦能理解。但对极端方言、俚语及不利听力条件（如户外劣质扩音）仍存在困难。

能在广泛经验背景下，理解复杂听力材料之间的关系，并能顺利跟随正式或非正式演讲中不可预测的思路转折。（在某些非自动化系统中编码为 L-4。）

(Advanced Professional Proficiency, Plus) Increased ability to understand extremely difficult and abstract speech as well as ability to understand all forms and styles of speech pertinent to professional needs, including social conversations. Increased ability to comprehend native speakers using extreme nonstandard dialects and slang, as well as to understand speech in unfavorable conditions.

Strong sensitivity to sociolinguistic and cultural references. Accuracy is close to that of the well-educated native listener but still not equivalent. (Has been coded L-4+ in some nonautomated applications.)

(高级专业能力加) 对极其困难和高度抽象的口语理解能力进一步增强，能够理解与专业需求相关的所有口语形式和风格，包括社交对话。对母语者使用极端非标准方言和俚语以及在不利条件下的讲话理解能力显著提高。

对社会语言和文化指涉高度敏感。理解准确度接近受过良好教育的母语听者，但仍未完全等同。（在某些非自动化系统中编码为 L-4+。）

(Functionally Native Proficiency) Comprehension equivalent to that of the well-educated native listener. Able to understand fully all forms and styles of speech intelligible to the well-educated native listener, including a number of regional and illiterate dialects, highly colloquial speech and conversations and discourse distorted by marked interference from other noise.

Able to understand how natives think as they create discourse. Able to understand extremely difficult and abstract speech. (Has been coded L-5 in some nonautomated applications.)

(功能性母语能力) 理解能力与受过良好教育的母语听者相当。能够完全理解其可理解范围内的所有口语形式和风格，包括多种地区性方言、低文化程度方言、高度口语化表达，以及受噪音严重干扰的对话和话语。

能够理解母语者在生成话语时的思维方式，能够理解极其困难和高度抽象的口语内容。（在某些非自动化系统中编码为 L-5。）