Unable to function in the spoken language.

Able to satisfy immediate needs using rehearsed utterances. Shows little real autonomy of expression, flexibility or spontaneity.

Able to satisfy minimum courtesy requirements and maintain very simple face-to-face conversations on familiar topics. A native speaker must often use slowed speech, repetition, paraphrase, or a combination of these to be understood by this individual.

Can initiate and maintain predictable face-to-face conversations and satisfy limited social demands.

Able to satisfy routine social demands and limited work requirements.

Able to satisfy most work requirements with language usage that is often, but not always, acceptable and effective.

Able to speak the language with sufficient structural accuracy and vocabulary to participate effectively in most formal and informal conversations in practical, social and professional topics.

Is often able to use the language to satisfy professional needs in a wide range of sophisticated and demanding tasks.

Able to use the language fluently and accurately on all levels normally pertinent to professional needs.

Speaking proficiency is regularly superior in all respects, usually equivalent to that of a well educated, highly articulate native speaker.

Speaking proficiency is functionally equivalent to that of a highly articulate well-educated native speaker and reflects the cultural standards of the country where the language is natively spoken.