View source for Common European Framework of Reference for Languages

== Overview ==

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is a comprehensive guideline used to describe the achievements of learners of foreign languages across Europe and, increasingly, in other countries. It was developed by the Council of Europe as part of the project "Language Learning for European Citizenship" between 1989 and 1996. The CEFR provides a common basis for the elaboration of language syllabuses, curriculum guidelines, examinations, textbooks, etc. across Europe. It is designed to be applicable to any language and is widely used in language education and assessment.

== Structure and Levels ==

The CEFR divides language proficiency into six levels: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2. These levels are grouped into three broad categories: Basic User (A1 and A2), Independent User (B1 and B2), and Proficient User (C1 and C2). Each level is defined by a set of descriptors that outline the skills and abilities a learner should have at that stage.

=== A1 and A2: Basic User ===

* **A1 (Breakthrough)**: At this level, learners can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at satisfying concrete needs. They can introduce themselves and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where they live, people they know, and things they have. Interaction is possible if the other person talks slowly and clearly.

* **A2 (Waystage)**: Learners can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g., basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment). They can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters.

=== B1 and B2: Independent User ===

* **B1 (Threshold)**: At this level, learners can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. They can deal with most situations likely to arise while traveling in an area where the language is spoken. They can produce simple connected text on topics that are familiar or of personal interest.

* **B2 (Vantage)**: Learners can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in their field of specialization. They can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party.

=== C1 and C2: Proficient User ===

* **C1 (Effective Operational Proficiency)**: Learners can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognize implicit meaning. They can express themselves fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. They can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic, and professional purposes.

* **C2 (Mastery)**: At this level, learners can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. They can summarize information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. They can express themselves spontaneously, very fluently, and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations.

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== Development and Purpose ==

The CEFR was developed to provide a transparent, coherent, and comprehensive framework for language learning, teaching, and assessment. It aims to promote and facilitate cooperation among educational institutions in different countries, provide a basis for the mutual recognition of language qualifications, and assist learners, teachers, course designers, examining bodies, and educational administrators in situating and coordinating their efforts.

The framework is not prescriptive but descriptive, offering a set of guidelines that can be adapted to the specific needs of different contexts. It seeks to encourage the development of language policies that are responsive to the needs of learners and society.

== Implementation and Impact ==

The CEFR has been widely adopted across Europe and beyond, influencing language teaching and assessment practices. It serves as a reference for the development of language curricula and syllabuses, the design of teaching materials, and the creation of language assessments.

Many language qualifications, such as the [[Test of English as a Foreign Language|TOEFL]], [[International English Language Testing System|IELTS]], and the [[Diplôme d'études en langue française|DELF]], have been aligned with the CEFR levels. This alignment helps ensure that language qualifications are comparable and that learners can have their language skills recognized across different countries and contexts.

== Criticisms and Challenges ==

While the CEFR has been praised for its comprehensive and flexible approach, it has also faced criticism. Some educators argue that the framework's descriptors are too vague and open to interpretation, leading to inconsistencies in how they are applied. Others point out that the CEFR focuses primarily on communicative competence, potentially neglecting other important aspects of language learning, such as intercultural competence.

There are also challenges in applying the CEFR to languages with different scripts or cultural contexts, as the framework was initially developed with European languages in mind. Despite these criticisms, the CEFR remains a widely used and influential tool in language education.

== Future Developments ==

The CEFR is a living document, subject to ongoing review and revision. In recent years, there has been a focus on expanding the framework to include mediation and plurilingualism, reflecting the changing needs of language learners in a globalized world. The Council of Europe continues to work on updating and refining the CEFR to ensure its relevance and applicability in diverse educational contexts.

== See Also ==

* [[Language Acquisition]]
* [[Language Assessment]]
* [[European Language Portfolio]]

[[Category:Language Education]]
[[Category:Language Assessment]]
[[Category:European Union Educational Policies]]