Language Level Definitions
We're aware that in our increasingly globalized world, the definition of what constitutes a "native" or "fluent" language speaker has gotten more complex. Here are the guidelines we use to evaluate language level.
NATIVE: Most likely, you grew up speaking a language in a culture/household where it was the primary means of communication, or you've been immersed in a language culture long enough that people cannot identify you as a "foreigner" in regular conversation.
Here are the basic requirements that qualify you as a "native" speaker:
Natural Pronunciation (you don't speak with an "accent" that differs from your selected Region/Accent)
Rapid recall (you don't often spend time searching for expressions or words)
Broad vocabulary (you don't often hear words you don't know/understand in general conversation)
FLUENT: Just below "Native" level. You didn't grow up speaking the language, so "Native speakers" can identify you as a "foreigner" in casual conversation. However, you've been immersed in a language culture long enough to achieve:
Rapid recall (you don't often spend time searching for expressions or words)
Broad vocabulary (you don't often hear words you don't know/understand in general conversation)
INTERMEDIATE: You didn't grow up speaking this language, but have studied enough to have a solid grasp of complex grammar and advanced vocabulary.
BASIC: You've studied the language enough to read/speak/understand basic vocabulary and grammatical structures.
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