Translation Performance
ILR SKILL LEVEL DESCRIPTIONS FOR TRANSLATION PERFORMANCE
Preface These Skill Level Descriptions are primarily intended to serve as guidelines for use in government settings. They are separate and distinct from the ILR Language Skill Level Descriptions for Speaking, Listening, Reading, and Writing.
Translation is the process of transferring text from one language into another. It is a complex skill requiring several abilities. Consequently, extreme care must be exercised in hiring translators or assigning translation tasks to them. To do otherwise entails the risk that imprecise or even wrong information will be conveyed.
The term “translation” is normally reserved for written renditions of written materials. Translation is thereby distinct from interpretation, which produces a spoken equivalent between two languages. While there are correspondences between translation and interpretation skills, the following applies only to document-to-document renderings.
A successful translation is one that conveys the explicit and implicit meaning of the source language into the target language as fully and accurately as possible. From the standpoint of the user, the translation must also meet the prescribed specifications and deadlines.
Competence in two languages is necessary but not sufficient for any translation task. Though the translator must be able to (1) read and comprehend the source language and (2) write comprehensibly in the target language, the translator must also be able to (3) choose the equivalent expression in the target language that both fully conveys and best matches the meaning intended in the source language (referred to as
congruity judgment).
A weakness in any of these three abilities will influence performance adversely and have a negative impact on the utility of the product. Therefore, all three abilities must be considered when assessing translation skills.
The prerequisite language skills for translation (reading in the source language and writing in the target language) are tested separately from translation skills themselves. Language proficiency testing serves as a screening tool and may provide a preliminary indication of the individual’s potential as a translator. However, to assess translation skills, a translation test that measures the individual’s ability to exercise congruity judgment and apply a translation methodology successfully must be used.
Various non‑linguistic factors have an impact on performance, such as the time allotted to deliver the product. Familiarity with the subject matter and the socio‑cultural aspects of either or both source and target languages may also affect performance. Given previous knowledge of these factors or appropriate training, an individual with limited skills may be able in certain instances to produce renditions of various texts that might be useful for specific purposes. On the other hand, an otherwise skilled translator who lacks subject matter knowledge or who is unfamiliar with certain socio-cultural aspects may provide an unreliable translation of some points if he or she has no access to relevant resources.
Moreover, analytical and research skills as well as adeptness in using translation tools and resources (such as monolingual dictionaries and glossaries, on-line aids, and consultation with experts) allow the individual to proceed methodically and verify the appropriateness of the equivalents chosen. Such specialized skills must be acquired through training and practice.
The complexity of the translation task increases with the complexity of the text to be translated. Accordingly, the individual’s performance range will depend on the degree to which competence in all the necessary skills combine in order to produce a rendition that is useful to a reader not familiar with the source language. Hence, the need for product review and oversight diminishes as the performance level rises. Nonetheless, any translation of potential importance should, to the extent possible, be subject to review for accuracy by another qualified individual.
In summary, an individual’s translation performance level depends on (1) command of two languages, (2) ability to exercise congruity judgment and apply a translation methodology, (3) familiarity with the cultural context of both languages, (4) knowledge of terminology in specialized fields, and (5) ability to finalize the product within time constraints and according to specifications.
Individuals should be assigned to tasks within their performance range. To facilitate this correspondence, the Skill Level Descriptions for Translation are divided into three bands: Minimal Performance (levels 0+ to 1+), Limited Performance (levels 2 and 2+), and Professional Performance (levels 3 to 5).
Examples of tasks and texts appropriate for each level are provided. Each level implies control of all functions at the lower levels. The “plus level” designation is used to describe performance which substantially exceeds the next lower skill level but for any reason does not fully meet the criteria for the next higher level.
The
Minimal Performance Levels (0+ to 1+) are characterized by weaknesses in all of the requisite skills. Translation is not possible at these levels.
The
Limited Performance Levels (2 to 2+) are characterized by weaknesses in one or more of the requisite skills. Renditions prepared by individuals at these levels should not be considered professional translations and should be subject to rigorous quality control with feedback as a means of development toward professional status.
It is at the
Professional Performance Level 3 that all necessary skills begin to align and enable production of a reasonably accurate and reliable translation.
At
Professional Performance Level 4 (and above) an individual’s competence and expertise combine to produce an accurate and reliable translation of a variety of texts ranging from simple to complex.
It must be noted that language tasks often associated with translation, such as gisting and summarizing a text, are not included in this document, since such tasks require skills distinct from translation skills.
Level 5 (Professional Performance):
Can successfully translate virtually all texts, including those where lack of linguistic and cultural parallelism between the source language and the target language requires precise congruity judgments and the ability to apply a translation methodology. Expression is flawless. At this level, the translator consistently excels in a number of specialties and is generally regarded as one of the arbiters of translating very high-level language by persons competent in dealing with such material. Nonetheless, the resulting product may be subject to quality control.
Level 4+ (Professional Performance Plus):
Can successfully apply a translation methodology to translate texts that contain highly original and special purpose language (such as that contained in religious sermons, literary prose, and poetry). At this level, a successful performance requires not only conveying content and register but also capturing to the greatest extent all nuances intended in the source document. Expression is virtually flawless. Can produce fully accurate translations in a number of subject fields. When the need arises to perform in areas outside of specialization, a translator at this level is able to reach a successful level of performance given the time necessary for acquiring the relevant knowledge of the subject matter. The resulting product is a professional translation which may be subject to quality control.
Level 4 (Professional Performance):
Can successfully apply a translation methodology to translate a wide variety of complex texts that contain difficult, abstract, idiomatic, highly technical, and colloquial writing. Able to capture subtleties, nuances, and tone and register (such as official, formal, and informal writing). Such texts range from commentary reflecting a specific culture to analysis and argumentation. Linguistic knowledge and familiarity with source language norms enable an individual at this level to translate handwritten documents and other texts that represent spontaneous expression characteristic of the source language. Expression reflects correct usage and consistent control of target language conventions. Can translate materials outside the individual’s specialties but may not reach the absolute subject matter accuracy of the specialist in the given field. The resulting product is a professional translation which may be subject to quality control.
Level 3+ (Professional Performance):
Can generally translate a variety of texts, such as many scientific or financial reports, some legal documents and some colloquial writings. Can convey the meaning of many socio‑cultural elements embedded in a text as well as most nuances and relatively infrequent lexical and syntactic items of the source language. Expression reflects target language norms and usage. May be able to operate in fields outside areas of specialty. The resulting product is a draft translation, subject to quality control.
Level 3 (Professional Performance):
Can translate texts that contain not only facts but also abstract language, showing an emerging ability to capture their intended implications and many nuances. Such texts usually contain situations and events which are subject to value judgments of a personal or institutional kind, as in some newspaper editorials, propaganda tracts, and evaluations of projects. Linguistic knowledge of both the terminology and the means of expression specific to a subject field is strong enough to allow the translator to operate successfully within that field. Word choice and expression generally adhere to target language norms and rarely obscure meaning. The resulting product is a draft translation, subject to quality control.
Level 2+ (Limited Performance):
Can render straightforward texts dealing with everyday matters that include statements of fact as well as some judgments, opinion, or other elements which entail more than direct exposition, but do not contain figurative language, complicated concepts, complex sentence structures, or instances of syntactic or semantic skewing. In these types of texts, the individual can read source language materials and render them accurately into the target language, conveying the key points and/or main ideas, supporting facts, most of the details, and some nuances. Can usually operate in more than one narrowly defined subject field, using both linguistic knowledge of the languages involved and familiarity with the subject matter. A tendency to adhere to source language structures may result in target language expressions that may appear to be correct but are awkward or perhaps unidiomatic. Such expressions may sometimes obscure meaning. The resulting product is not a professional translation and must be subject to quality control.
Level 2 (Limited Performance):
Able to render into the target language some straightforward, factual texts in the standard variety of the source language. Can typically render accurately uncomplicated prose (such as that used in short identification documents, simple letters, instructions, and some narrative reports) that does not contain figurative language, complex sentence structures, embedding, or instances of syntactic or semantic skewing. Can normally rely on knowledge of the subject matter to operate within one given subject field, consisting of a narrow body of material that is routine, repetitive, and often predictable. Expression in the target language may be faulty, frequently reflecting the structure and word order of the source language. To the extent that faulty expression may obscure or distort meaning, accuracy will suffer. The resulting product is not a professional translation and must be submitted to quality control.
Level 1+ (Minimal Performance):
Able to scan source language texts for specific categories, topics, key points and/or main ideas, generally rendering an accurate report on these but often missing supporting facts and details. Can to some extent render factual materials, such as records or database entries, often relying on real‑world knowledge or familiarity with the subject matter. Oversight and review of the product are necessary.
Level 1 (Minimal Performance):
Able to make word by word transfers, not always with accuracy. May be able to identify documents by their label or headings and scan graphic materials, such as charts and diagrams, for items of specific interest. Constant oversight and review of the product are necessary.
Level 0+ (
Minimal Performance)
Able to transfer very little information from one language into another, usually representing isolated words and/or phrases. Accuracy is haphazard. Constant oversight is required.
Level 0 (
Performance)
Has no practical ability to transfer information from one language into another.
Interpretation Performance
ILR Skill Level Descriptions for Interpretation Performance
Preface: These Skill Level Descriptions are primarily intended to serve as guidelines for use in government settings. They are separate and distinct from the ILR Language Skill Level Descriptions for Speaking, Listening, Reading, and Writing.
Interpretation involves the immediate communication of meaning from one language to another. Although there are correspondences between interpreting and translating, an interpreter conveys meaning orally, while a translator conveys meaning from written text to written text. As a result, interpretation requires skills different from those needed for translation.
Interpreting is a complex task that combines several abilities beyond language competence in order to enable delivery of an effective professional interpretation in a given setting. Consequently, extreme care must be exercised in hiring interpreters and interpreting duties should be assigned to individuals within their performance level.
To facilitate this correspondence, the Skill Level Descriptions that follow characterize interpreting performance in three bands: Professional Performance (Levels 3 to 5), Limited Performance (Levels 2 and 2+), and Minimal Performance (Levels 1 and 1+). Only individuals performing at the Professional Performance levels are properly termed “interpreters”.
Command of two languages is prerequisite to any interpreting task. The interpreter must be able to (1) comprehend two languages as spoken and written (if the language has a script), (2) speak both of these languages, and (3) choose an expression in the target language that fully conveys and best matches the meaning of the source language.
From the standpoint of the user, a successful interpretation is one that faithfully and accurately conveys the meaning of the source language orally, reflecting the style, register, and cultural context of the source message, without omissions, additions or embellishments on the part of the interpreter.
Language competence is a prerequisite, but it is not sufficient for successful performance as an interpreter. Specialized non-linguistic skills related to the workplace must be acquired through training, practice, or both. Because a high degree of concentration and stamina are required, interpreters must work in teams. Because interpreting takes place in a wide range of formal and informal settings (such as hospitals, courts, and international conferences), applicable protocols and conventions must be mastered and followed. The interpreter must also be able to use special equipment and follow accepted professional practices (such as setting aside personal opinion and maintaining the confidentiality of information).
As with any language mediation, knowledge of socio-cultural factors and familiarity with the subject matter are necessary. Interpretation tasks vary in complexity and often require extensive preparation in advance, particularly if such assignments do not take place regularly or frequently. For example, topics may be highly specialized, and the style of language may vary from street language to erudite speech. Therefore, in addition to broad experience in interpreting, use of language tools and resources, such as monolingual dictionaries, on-line aids, and consultation with experts, serve to enhance the interpreter’s performance. Analytical and research skills allow the individual to proceed methodically in order to gain basic knowledge of various specialized fields, develop subject matter glossaries, and verify the appropriateness of the equivalents chosen.
There are three different modes of interpretation: simultaneous, consecutive, and sight translation. All three modes involve highly complex cognitive activity, inasmuch as the interpreter must immediately comprehend, analyze, and convert the source message into the target language spoken equivalent.
Simultaneous interpreting requires the interpreter to convey continuously the full and accurate meaning of what is said in the source language into speech in the target language, lagging just slightly behind the original message. Simultaneous interpretation may take place in settings where no pauses or interruptions are possible and is typically delivered using specialized equipment in a sound-proof booth.
Consecutive interpretation requires the interpreter to convey the full and accurate meaning of speech from the source language into the target language after the speaker has concluded speaking. Depending on the setting, the speaker may pause periodically to allow for interpreting to take place or continue until the entire speech has been delivered. Interpreters generally take notes as memory aids to reconstruct the message and seek clarification if the request will not disrupt the event.
Sight translation requires the interpreter to immediately convey into the spoken target language the meaning of a document written in the source language. It occurs in such settings as medical interviews, witness interrogations, court proceedings, and international meetings.
The only reliable way to gauge how well an individual will perform in any given assignment is to administer tests that assess interpreting skills in a given setting, reflecting real-world tasks and content. For ratings to be useful in predicting actual performance, test production should be assessed directly by professionally rated practitioners. Self-assessments are neither reliable nor valid.
Language proficiency testing may serve as a screening tool, since an individual’s performance will not exceed that individual’s proficiency level in any of the prerequisite language skills. (For example, a listening or speaking proficiency rated at level 3 in one of the two prescribed working languages will accordingly limit interpretation performance to level 3 or below.) However, language proficiency testing has limited value in assessing interpreting ability, since interpretation requires knowledge and skills in addition to language proficiency. Lack of training or practice in interpreting skills will prevent an individual with excellent listening and speaking proficiency from delivering a successful interpretation.
In summary, an individual’s interpretation performance level depends on (1) command of two working languages, (2) ability to choose an appropriate expression, (3) familiarity with the cultural context of both languages, (4) knowledge of terminology in specialized fields, (5) observance of protocols applicable to different settings, and (6) mastery of modes applicable to these settings.
It is at the Professional Performance Level 3, as described below, that all necessary skills align to enable a reasonably accurate, reliable, and trustworthy interpretation.
Above Level 3, an individual’s competence and expertise combine to produce increasingly accurate and reliable interpreting in a variety of settings.
Below Level 3, the Limited Performance Levels (2+ and 2) are characterized by weaknesses in some of the requisite skills. For this reason, individuals performing at these levels are not able to deliver a professional interpretation but may nevertheless be able to assist with transferring some limited information.
The Minimal and Memorized Performance Levels (1+ to 0+) are characterized by weaknesses in all of the requisite skills. Interpretation is not possible at these levels.
Each level implies control of all functions at the lower levels. The “plus level” designation is used to describe performance which substantially exceeds the next lower skill level but for any reason does not fully meet the criteria for the next higher level.
Level 5 (Master Professional Performance):
Able to excel consistently at interpreting in the mode (simultaneous, consecutive, and sight) required by the setting and provide accurate renditions of informal, formal, and highly formal discourse. Conveys the meaning of the speaker faithfully and accurately, including all details and nuances, reflecting the style, register, and cultural context of the source language, without omissions, additions or embellishments. Demonstrates superior command of the skills required for interpretation, including mastery of both working languages and their cultural context, and wide-ranging expertise in specialized fields. Outstanding delivery, with pleasant voice quality and without hesitations, unnecessary repetitions, and corrections. Exemplifies the highest standards of professional conduct and ethics.
Level 4+ (Advanced Professional Performance Plus):
Able to interpret in the mode (simultaneous, consecutive, and sight) required by the setting and provide accurate renditions of informal, formal, and most highly formal discourse. Conveys the meaning of the speaker faithfully and accurately, including most details and nuances, reflecting the style, register, and cultural context of the source language, without omissions, additions or embellishments. Demonstrates mastery of the skills required for interpretation, including command of both working languages and their cultural context, expertise in a number of specialized fields, and ability to prepare other specialized topics rapidly and routinely. Excellent delivery, with pleasant voice quality and rare hesitations, repetitions or corrections. Performance reflects the highest standards of professional conduct and ethics.
Level 4 (Advanced Professional Performance):
Able to interpret in the mode (simultaneous, consecutive, and sight) required by the setting and provide almost completely accurate renditions of complex, colloquial, and idiomatic speech as well as formal and some highly formal discourse. Conveys the meaning of the speaker faithfully, including many details and nuances, reflecting the style, register, and cultural context of the source language, without omissions, additions or embellishments. Demonstrates mastery of the skills required for interpretation, including command of both working languages and their cultural context, expertise in some specialized fields, and ability to prepare new specialized topics rapidly and routinely. Very good delivery, with pleasant voice quality and only occasional hesitations, repetitions or corrections. Performance reflects the highest standards of professional conduct and ethics.
Level 3+ (Professional Performance Plus):
Able to interpret accurately and consistently in the mode (simultaneous, consecutive, and sight) required by the setting and provide generally accurate renditions of complex, colloquial and formal speech, conveying most but not all details and nuances. Expression will generally reflect target language conventions. Demonstrates competence in the skills required for interpretation, including command of both working languages, their cultural context, and terminology in those specialized fields in which the interpreter has developed expertise. Good delivery, with pleasant voice quality, and few hesitations, repetitions, or corrections. Performance reflects high standards of professional conduct and ethics.
Level 3 (Professional Performance):
Able to interpret consistently in the mode (simultaneous, consecutive, and sight) required by the setting, provide renditions of informal as well as some colloquial and formal speech with adequate accuracy, and normally meet unpredictable complications successfully. Can convey many nuances, cultural allusions, and idioms, though expression may not always reflect target language conventions. Adequate delivery, with pleasant voice quality. Hesitations, repetitions or corrections may be noticeable but do not hinder successful communication of the message. Can handle some specialized subject matter with preparation. Performance reflects high standards of professional conduct and ethics.
Level 2+ (
Limited Working Performance Plus):
Able to transfer information, not always accurately and completely, during routine, every day, repetitive exchanges in informal settings, but unable to perform adequately in the standard interpretation modes. May falter, stammer, or pause, and often resort to summarizing speech content. Idiomatic or cultural expressions may not be rendered appropriately in most instances. Language may be stilted or awkward.
Level 2 (Limited Working Performance):
Unable to transfer information reliably in most instances. May communicate some meaning when exchanges are short, involve subject matter that is routine or discourse that is repetitive or predictable, but may typically require repetition or clarification. Expression in the target language is frequently faulty.
Level 1+ (Minimal Performance):
Unable to transfer information reliably, even if familiar with the subject matter.
Level 1 (Minimal Performance Plus):
Unable to transfer more than isolated short phrases.
Level 0+ (Memorized Performance):
Unable to transfer more than isolated words.
Level 0 (No Performance):
No functional ability to transfer information from one language to another.
Audio Translation Performance
ILR Skill Level Descriptions for Audio Translation Performance
Preface These Skill Level Descriptions are primarily intended to serve as guidelines for use in government settings. Audio translation is the process of rendering live or recorded speech in the source language to a written text in the target language. It is a cross between interpretation (speech-to-speech) and translation (written text-to-written text), and requires a skill set that includes not only language but also the ability to overcome input interference.
Audio translation directly from live speech is not likely to result in a full translation. There are also a variety of tasks that may not require a full translation of the audio source, such as summarizing, identifying significant items, listening for details, or preparing analytical reports for a specific user or purpose.
This document covers only products that transfer audio materials as fully as possible into another language. They are prepared from recorded speech and are often used for legal purposes by many government agencies, particularly courts, which require either certified translations based on transcripts, or transcript and translation side by side.
A successful audio translation is herein defined as one that fully and accurately conveys the content and meaning of the source language in a script format, and reflects the style, register, and cultural content of the source message, without additions and omissions. From the standpoint of the user, the translation must also meet the prescribed specifications and be completed in a timely manner.
Competence in two languages is necessary but not sufficient for any audio translation task. The audio translator must be able not only to (1) comprehend the source language; and (2) write intelligibly and idiomatically in the target language; but also (3) choose the equivalent expression in the target language that both fully conveys and best matches the meaning intended in the source (congruity judgment).
Most importantly, the audio translator must also be able to overcome factors impeding comprehension of the source. These may be related to input quality, speech character or discourse content.
Factors that obliterate, diminish or interfere with input are often termed “unfavorable conditions,” and may include low volume, background noise, gaps, multiple speakers, overlapping exchanges, interruptions, and fast or faulty delivery.
Factors related to speech character impede comprehension and include language that is accented, substandard, slang, very colloquial, or substantially deviating from the norm.
Factors related to content hinder understanding of the source message and may include complex subject matter, coded or deceptive language, technical jargon, place and name references, and out-of-context statements.
Resolving these issues requires highly developed linguistic and non-linguistic skills, particularly since audio translators are passive listeners, without the opportunity to request clarification.
As with any language transfer, knowledge of socio-cultural factors and familiarity with the subject matter are necessary. Audio translators must also continuously update their knowledge of the language in order to handle the latest colloquial variations. Analytical and research skills allow the individual to proceed methodically, using language tools and on-line aids. Techniques related to the workplace must be acquired, including the use of special equipment and software.
In view of the many requirements and pitfalls involved in audio translation, extreme care must be exercised in hiring audio translators or assigning tasks to them. To do otherwise entails the risk that imprecise or even wrong information will be conveyed.
Therefore, assessing the ability to perform audio translation presents a special challenge. Tests that measure listening comprehension in the source language and writing skills in the target language should be considered screening tools only. Additional job-related performance testing that reflects real life tasks is absolutely necessary.
Individuals should be assigned to tasks within their performance levels. To facilitate this correspondence, the Skill Level Descriptions that follow are divided into three bands: Minimal Performance (levels 0+ to 1+), Limited Performance (levels 2 and 2+), and Professional Performance (levels 3 to 5).
Minimal Performance Levels 0+ to 1+ are characterized by weaknesses in all of the requisite audio translation skills.
Limited Performance Levels 2 to 2+ are characterized by weaknesses in one or more of the requisite audio translation skills.
It is at
Professional Level 3 that all necessary skills begin to align and enable production of reasonably accurate translations of audio materials.
At
Professional Level 4 (and above) competence and expertise combine to produce accurate and reliable translations of a variety of audio materials.
Examples of tasks and texts appropriate for each level are provided, and each level implies control of all functions at the lower levels. The “plus level” designation is used to describe performance which substantially exceeds the next lower skill level but for any reason does not fully meet the criteria for the next higher level.
For further specification, reference must be made to the ILR Skill Level Descriptions for Translation Performance and Interpretation Performance.
SKILL LEVEL DESCRIPTIONS
Level 5 (Master Professional Performance): Able to produce fully successful translations of audio materials consistently and reliably. Can overcome, to the extent possible, virtually all factors impeding comprehension of the source.
Level 4+ (Advanced Professional Performance Plus): Able to produce successful translations of audio materials consistently. Can overcome, to the extent possible, nearly all factors impeding comprehension of the source, and can be relied upon to complete assignments well within deadlines.
Level 4 (Advanced Professional Performance): Able to produce full and accurate translations of audio materials, generally reflecting style, register, and cultural context in most respects. Can overcome, to the extent possible, most unfavorable conditions and other factors impeding comprehension of the source. Except for passages that may be particularly unclear, repeated listening of the recording is often not necessary, enabling the individual to proceed at a fast pace and normally meet deadlines.
Level 3+ (Professional Performance Plus): Able to produce accurate translations of most audio materials. Can normally render jargon, slang, accented, colloquial, regional, and substandard speech. Can usually overcome most unfavorable conditions and other factors impeding comprehension of the source.
Level 3 (Professional Performance): Able to produce reasonably accurate translations of conversations that exhibit some complexity and deal with topics outside everyday matters. Can usually render jargon, slang, and speech that is colloquial, substandard, or regional. Able to capture most nuances, idioms, and cultural allusions, reflecting the source register appropriately. Can often, but not always, overcome many unfavorable conditions and other factors impeding comprehension of the source. Completes assignments in a timely manner.
Level 2+ (Limited Working Performance Plus): Able to render straightforward conversations mostly accurately. Demonstrates emerging ability to transfer slang, colloquial, substandard, regional, or coded language, and can overcome some unfavorable conditions, such as multiple speakers and overlapping exchanges.
Level 2 (Limited Working Performance): Able to render with some accuracy straightforward everyday conversations on concrete matters, and topic-specific information if familiar with the subject matter. Can sometimes overcome sporadic unfavorable conditions, such as background noise, after listening repeatedly to the recording.
Level 1+ (Minimal Performance Plus): Able to render, but not always accurately, simple routine conversations from mostly clear recordings. Can rarely overcome any factors that impede comprehension even after listening repeatedly to the recording.
Level 1 (Minimal Performance): Able to transfer short and very simple routine conversations, delivered in the variety of the language with which the individual is familiar. Recordings must be clear and without any factors impeding comprehension. Accuracy is haphazard.
Level 0+(Memorized Performance): Able to transfer isolated words and/or phrases from very clear recordings.
Level 0 (No Performance): No functional ability to transfer information from one language to another.
Competence in Intercultural Communication
ILR Skill Level Descriptions for Competence in Intercultural Communication
Preface: These Skill Level Descriptions are intended to serve primarily as guidelines for use in government settings. They may provide a basis for curriculum development, instruction and assessment.
Intercultural communication is a complex activity that combines several abilities and incorporates both cross-cultural expertise and language skills. For the purposes of this document, the term refers to the content and form of communication, both verbal and nonverbal, among people of different cultures. Competence in intercultural communication is the ability to take part effectively in a given social context by understanding what is being communicated and by employing appropriate language and behavior to convey an intended message.
There are several statements in the ILR Language Skill Level Descriptions concerning cultural appropriateness in language use; those statements are implicit in this document. However, since communicative effectiveness entails more than language, these Descriptions of Competence in Intercultural Communication incorporate both linguistic and extralinguistic elements at each skill level.
Values, beliefs, traditions, customs, norms, rituals, symbols, taboos, deportment, etiquette, attire, and time concepts are some of the extralinguistic elements that typically shape the form and content of interactions. These elements are often the source of expectations regarding behavior, such as gestures, body language, physical distance between speakers, and deference due to status, age, and gender.
Knowledge and understanding of some extralinguistic elements may be acquired through independent research, regional studies, or educational programs that include coursework in such disciplines as anthropology, history, religion, politics, psychology, sociology, sociolinguistics, economics, communication, literature, and the arts. However, control of a full range of nonverbal responses to social cues is typically unattainable without extended immersion in the culture.
A given level of competence in Intercultural Communication requires a corresponding level in language proficiency. But language proficiency and cultural knowledge, skills and abilities do not always align. Any such differences may impact the effectiveness of intercultural communication. Moreover, having different levels of ability in the various language skills (Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing) may also hinder performance in intercultural communication.
Finally, it must be noted that any successful communication, but particularly intercultural communication, is generally dependent on interpersonal skills, disposition, social flexibility, tolerance for ambiguity, and ability to cope with cultural dissonance.
The Skill Level Descriptions for Intercultural Communication that follow are generic, as with all other ILR Descriptions. Culture-specific models should be developed for assessment and instructional purposes.
The Descriptions characterize competence in Intercultural Communication for the six base levels and the 0+ level of the ILR scale.
Each level implies control of all functions at the levels below it. Except for the 0+ level, no plus levels are characterized.
Below Level 3, common everyday situations and interactions provide the primary content and context domains, including use of voicemail, email and social media. At Level 3, the Descriptions expand to include the domains of business and other professional settings. At Level 4 and above, successful participation in the full range of social, professional and cultural interactions is achieved.
Level 0: (No Competence)
Unable to adjust when faced with cultural differences and shows little or no awareness that such exist.
Level 0+: (Memorized Competence)
Able to use rehearsed behavior and memorized utterances to engage in a few routine interactions serving basic survival needs. Shows awareness of obvious differences between the culture and the individual’s own and avoids some of the most critical and noticeable taboos, although not consistently. Can use appropriate posture and behavior when acknowledging and delivering short polite exchanges, such as greetings, farewells, and expressions of thanks and apology, but can rarely cope with deviations from the routine. May often miss cues indicating miscommunication and is almost always unable to repair misunderstandings when they occur.
Level 1: (Elementary Competence)
Able to participate in some everyday interactions, though not always acceptably. Recognizes that differences exist between behaviors, norms and values of the individual’s own culture and those of the other culture but shows little understanding of the significance or nature of these differences. May understand the need to manage own reactions to cultural surprises but is often unable to do so appropriately. Avoids well-known taboo topics and behavior and normally observes basic courtesy requirements in encounters with individuals of different gender, age, or status. Can generally conform to culturally prescribed practices during interactions, such as those regarding posture, eye contact, and distance from others, and observe rules governing personal appearance and attire. Exhibits emerging ability to participate in some social media activities. Usually responds appropriately to the most commonly used cultural cues but may exhibit confusion when faced with unfamiliar ones and can rarely cope if misunderstandings arise. Typically experiences difficulties with less predictable and spontaneous interactions, such as open-ended conversations or bargaining.
Level 2 (Limited Working Competence)
Able to participate acceptably in many everyday social and work-related interactions. Shows conscious awareness of significant differences between the individual’s own culture and the other culture and attempts to adjust behavior accordingly, although not always successfully. Can typically avoid taboos and adhere to basic social norms and rules of etiquette, such as in accepting and refusing invitations, offering and receiving gifts, and requesting assistance. May sometimes misinterpret cultural cues or behave inappropriately for the culture but is usually able to recognize and repair misunderstandings. Understands the need to manage own attitudes and reactions to cultural dissonance and is usually able to do so. Normally functions as expected in predictable and commonly encountered situations, including public events and large gatherings, but may have difficulty when faced with less familiar circumstances. Able to participate in various social media activities. In a work environment, can appropriately issue straightforward directions and instructions, give or receive orders, whether in person, on the telephone, or in writing, and may be able to address some job-related problems. In some instances, demonstrates recognition of and makes appropriate reference to issues and topics that are customarily the subject of conversation, such as historical, cultural or current events.
Level 3 (Professional Competence)
Able to participate successfully in most social, practical, and professional interactions, including those that may require a range of formal and informal language and behavior. Can adapt to a variety of individuals and groups without being misconstrued and transition smoothly from informal to formal styles of communication. Controls nonverbal responses, such as gestures, and handles unfamiliar situations appropriately, including those involving taboos or emotionally charged subjects. Rarely misreads cultural cues and can almost always repair misinterpretations. Can understand and make appropriate use of cultural references and expressions and can usually discuss a variety of issues and subject matter that refer to the culture, such as history, politics, literature, and the arts. Can interpret reading materials and recognize subtleties, implications, and tone. Able to communicate via social media. In professional contexts, the individual can interact appropriately during meetings and provide detailed explanations or reports both in person and in writing. Social behavior and interactions reflect significant knowledge and understanding of cultural expectations.
Level 4 (Advanced Professional Competence)
Able to participate successfully in virtually all social, professional, and official interactions, including those where leadership is required. Controls the full range of formal and informal styles of language and behavior. Responds effectively to verbal and nonverbal forms of communication, and almost always correctly interprets visual cues, cultural allusions, nuance, tone, and subtle manifestations of underlying values. Can effectively employ, both in person and in writing, a wide variety of sophisticated communicative strategies to command, argue, persuade, dissuade, negotiate, counsel, and show empathy. Can take part successfully in public discourse, such as presentations, conferences, speeches, and media interviews. Can use intercultural communicative skills to facilitate information exchanges in a variety of situations. Makes frequent and appropriate use of cultural references, literary allusions, quotations from literature and other significant documents, and can discuss in depth the culture’s traditions, beliefs, history, national policies, and public issues.
Level 5 (Superior Professional Competence)
The individual has mastered and controls virtually all forms of intercultural communication. Can deal skillfully with a very extensive range of circumstances, including high-stress situations. Recognizes and understands the intended meaning of a very wide variety of colloquialisms, regionalisms, slang, and pertinent cultural references. Able to analyze, debate, and synthesize the most creative expressions of language and aesthetics, as well as the concepts, values and standards that constitute the fundamental underpinnings of the culture.