Rate Yourself:
Highest Language Level:
Distinguished

You are now at the highest language level. Congratulations. Few people stick with their continued learning as they become comfortable in their new tongue. At this stage, you are able to get around smoothly in this second culture, yet there is still work to do. This section takes you to the pinicle of language learning: native competence.

Use this guide to set language goals and to refine your speaking, reading, and writing abilities. The ratings are divided into Distinguished, and Native Competence. Read them to find which description best matches your level.

In each category, use the Goals section to set your broad goals and the Self-Test section to identify specific near-term objectives. Then, regularly rate yourself against the items in the Self-Test for that section.

Highest Language Level: Distinguished

GOALS

Can use the language fluently and accurately on all levels of professional need. Can tailor language to fit the audience: counsel, persuade, negotiate, represent a point of view, and interpret for dignitaries.

Speaks with only rare pronunciation or grammar errors.

Picks up on most nonverbal cues; understands humor and most allusions.

Behaves in a culturally appropriate manner in a range of social and professional settings.

SELF-TEST

• I can carry out any job responsibility in my second language.
• I can speak appropriately to a professional group, my staff, a government official, a friend, the elderly and children.
• I can act as an interpreter at a professional meeting or function.
• I rarely make pronunciation or grammar errors.
• I always understand native speakers, even when they are talking to each other.
• I can participate in joking, including puns and word play.
• I can read cultural gestures, body language and facial expressions accurately.

Highest Language Level:
Native Competence

GOALS

Functions as an educated native speaker would.

SELF-TEST

• I am equally as fluent in my second language as in English.
• I have command of idioms, colloquialisms, and historical and literary allusions.
• I am well-versed on the history, beliefs, customs, politics, and geography of the host country.
• I am completely at ease culturally in any social or professional setting.