What do we mean by English fluency, and how can understanding competencies across the four skills provide a more realistic picture of communicative English ability?
As someone who worked in dictionaries, the meaning of words has always interested me – and fluency is a particular case in point. Language learners often set themselves the goal of becoming fluent in a language. Job adverts often specify “fluent in English or Spanish” as a requirement. But what does being 'fluent' in a language actually mean? If we look in the Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English, we see that fluent means “able to speak a language very well”. Fluent speech or writing is described as “smooth and confident, with no mistakes”. In general, fluency is most often associated with spoken language – but is that the goal of all language learners? And what does being able to speak fluently show about the other language skills?
Before entering the world of dictionaries, I taught English as a foreign language in France. At that time, the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) had not yet been published and learners were described in very general terms – beginner, intermediate, advanced – with no agreed standards on what learners at each level were expected to know. As well as establishing standards, the CEFR also shifted the focus of language assessment from knowledge of grammar and vocabulary to functional competence, i.e. what can a student actually do with the language they’re learning across the four skills:
Interestingly, while calling out specific objectives for each skill, almost two-thirds of the information in the CEFR describes spoken language. This seems to imply that spoken fluency is indeed the most important goal for all language learners.
As a global publisher, 蜜桃app English recognizes that all learners are different – in their backgrounds, learning environments and learning goals. This is why we have undertaken new research to extend the set of learning objectives contained in the CEFR to account for learners who need detailed information about their level in all four skills, not just in one (typically, that of speaking).
No learner will be equally proficient in all four language skills – in the same way that no native speaker is equally proficient in all skills in their first language. Some of us are better at writing than speaking, and many are illiterate in their first language. A true measure of language proficiency needs to take into account all of the skills. Equally, not every learner of English will need to be 'fluent' in spoken communication.
Many researchers need to read papers in English and attend conferences in English – but will only ever present and write in their first language. Is 'fluency' a good way to describe their goal? And if it isn’t, does that somehow diminish their language achievements? By acknowledging proficiency in individual skills – rather than catch-all terms such as 'fluent' – we gain a clearer understanding of goals and outcomes, and with this knowledge, we are in a better position to tailor learning to the individual.
Interested in learning more about the English language? Check out our post?How using jargon, idioms and colloquialism confuses English learners and our post on strange English phrases.
If you're looking to improve your own fluency (in any language) make sure to check out our language learning app Mondy.?
At 蜜桃app Languages, 2024 has been a landmark year full of innovation, connection, and impactful resources for businesses worldwide. We’ve worked on so many things with the aim to empower global workforces and help organizations unlock the potential of language skills to drive business success. Here's how we made a difference this year.
As the year comes to a close, it’s time to reflect on the highlights, achievements and innovations that shaped education in 2024. For educators everywhere, this has been a year of growth, adaptation and pushing boundaries to empower both students and teachers. Whether you’ve been focused on refining your teaching practices or adopting new educational technologies, there’s plenty to celebrate and learn from this year.
Here’s a look back at some of the major 蜜桃app Languages educator highlights in 2024.
There's a certain allure that surrounds spooky words. Their very sound can send shivers down your spine and their meanings often carry chilling tales of the past. For those who revel in the peculiarities of language, exploring the origins of these eerie expressions offers a hauntingly delightful experience.
Language is full of mystery and the etymology of words related to the supernatural is no exception. Let's take a closer look at some of the most spine-tingling words in the English language and unearth their origins.
The word "ghoul" has its roots in Arabic folklore. Derived from the Arabic word "ghūl," it refers to an evil spirit that robs graves and feeds on the dead. This sinister entity first appeared in English texts around the 18th century, becoming synonymous with creatures that haunt our nightmares.
"Witch" is a word steeped in history and lore. Its origins can be traced back to the Old English word "wicce" (for a female witch) and "wicca" (for a male witch). These terms are believed to be linked to the Proto-Germanic root "wikkjaz," meaning "one who wakes the dead." Over the centuries, the image of witches transformed, influenced by cultural narratives and historical events such as the infamous witch trials.
The word "vampire" conjures images of blood-sucking fiends that prowl the night but its linguistic origins are equally fascinating. It likely comes from the Serbian word "vampire," which gained popularity in the 18th century in Western Europe. This term was used to describe beings that rise from the grave to feast on the living, a concept that has since been romanticized in literature and film.
Derived from the Latin "spectrum," meaning "appearance" or "vision," the term "specter" is often used to describe a ghostly apparition. In the 17th century, it came to be associated with the haunting phantoms that drift through abandoned halls and eerie landscapes. Its spectral connotations are timeless, evoking images of translucent figures and the eerie rustle of bygone whispers.
While the concept of reanimated corpses exists in various cultures, the word "zombie" has its origins in West African folklore. It is derived from the Kikongo word "nzambi," meaning "spirit of a dead person." The term was introduced to the Western world through Haitian Vodou practices and gained prominence in popular culture during the 20th century.
The term "poltergeist" originates from the German words "poltern," meaning "to make noise," and "Geist," meaning "spirit" or "ghost." This eerie word describes a type of supernatural entity that is known for its mischievous and sometimes malevolent behavior, often manifested through unexplained noises or objects moving without apparent cause. Poltergeist occurrences have long featured in folklore and horror stories, capturing the imagination with tales of restless spirits causing chaotic disturbances in the world of the living.
The word "banshee" is rooted in Irish mythology, deriving from the Old Irish term "bean sídhe," meaning "woman of the fairy mound." Banshees are believed to be heralds of death, their mournful wails seen as an omen that someone is soon to pass away. These spectral figures often appear as women shrouded in gray or white garments, their cries echoing the sorrow and mystery that enshroud their presence. The legend of the banshee has endured in popular culture, continuing to haunt the imaginations of those who hear her tales.
The term "doppelg?nger" originates from the German language, combining "doppel," meaning "double," with "G?nger," meaning "goer" or "walker." It refers to the unsettling phenomenon of encountering one's double, often considered an omen of bad luck or death. In folklore, a doppelg?nger is thought to be a spirit or supernatural entity that takes on the appearance of a living person. This eerie concept has been a source of fascination in literature and art, exploring themes of identity and the dual nature of the self.
The word "wraith" has Scottish origins and is commonly used to describe a ghost or apparition, particularly one that portends death. Its etymology is somewhat obscure, though it shares a kinship with words indicating spectral or eerie appearances. Wraiths are often portrayed as shadowy, ethereal figures that linger between the realm of the living and the dead, haunting desolate landscapes with their sorrowful presence.
While the practice of mummification is most famously associated with ancient Egypt, the word "mummy" itself has an intriguing history. Derived from the Persian word "mūmiya," meaning "bitumen" or "asphalt," it referred to the embalming substance used in the preservation process. This term was absorbed into medieval Latin and later English, coming to define the preserved bodies themselves. Mummies have captivated imaginations and spurred countless myths and stories, bridging the gap between ancient rituals and modern horror tales.
The word "werewolf" has deep linguistic roots, stemming from the Old English "were," meaning "man," combined with "wulf," meaning "wolf." This term describes the mythical entity that transforms from human to wolf, often during a full moon. Such legends have been present in numerous cultures, with various explanations and lore surrounding the transformation process. The enduring allure of werewolves in fiction and folklore highlights humanity's fascination with the primal, untamed aspects of nature and identity.
Spooky words hold a unique power over us. Understanding their origins not only enriches our linguistic knowledge but also deepens our appreciation for the stories and cultures that have shaped these words over time.
For linguaphiles, unraveling the mysteries behind spooky words is a thrilling adventure. Each term carries a legacy, a tapestry woven with tales of terror and wonder. Whether you're penning a chilling tale or simply enjoy the art of language, these eerie expressions continue to captivate and inspire.
