If you were held to the same standard as English learners….

The other day I got to thinking of the standard to which English language learners in my community are held every day.  I wonder how well I would measure up if the shoe were on the other foot?

Regardless of your performance on standardized tests, If you’ve developed some competency in another language, do all of the following describe your level of comfort in that language?

1. Able to write coherent text, explaining somewhat complicated circumstances? Able to do the same verbally, over the phone.

2. Able to persuade, teach or train?

3. Able to calm a tense situation?

4. Aware when you are being misunderstood, and able to get conversation back on track?

5. Develop professional rapport with someone who initially doubts your abilities?

6. Write a comprehensive report?

7.?

What makes a few of these difficult (I’m sure there are better examples), is the cultural context in which they rest. Added to that, the consequences of ‘getting it wrong’ tend to rattle your confidence and, over time, it get’s harder and harder to step out of your comfort zone.

Which part is ‘hardest’ will be different for everyone; however, in terms of being able to think on your feet in a professional context, I think the fourth one is especially valuable— and probably the one over which you have the most control (or at least practice).

What works for you?

So many arguments about ‘the best way to go’ for language learners at different levels…

The tricky part, of course,  is that what works for one person might be totally off-base for you.

Ultimately, we can only really judge ‘what works’ for ourselves—if you find yourself arguing, it’s probably a sign that you should try something different…… conversely, what works for you may not work so well for someone else…..  “learn and let learn” I guess.

The designers of most language tests (DELF, JLPT, HSK, etc.) are trying harder and harder to make test scores reflect real world communicative ability; are you aiming beyond standard language tests (that really only mark the beginning of the next stage of learning)?

As you consider your goals (however broadly), what works for you?

Passed JLPT N1 一級を合格したぜ〜！！

Just got the results from last December’s Japanese Language Proficiency Test, and I was delighted to discover that I had squeaked out a pass on the new JLPT N1!

I consider the JLPT ‘hard’ simply because  the bulk of the test concentrates on my main weak points.  (No chance to talk!).  It’s surreal to have finally bested the legendary “Level 1”, especially since Japan seems quite ‘far away’ from my work and surroundings these days.

I’ll most likely take it again this year, but it will be a relief to have ‘passing’ out of the way—- my current score follows a familiar pattern: high points for listening, but reading could benefit from some more attention.

I’ll leave study strategizing for later—today is definitely a happy day!