http://terminology.hl7.org/CodeSystem/ILRSpeakingSkillScale|May 2021 Edition
ILRSpeakingSkillScale
hl7.terminology.r5@6.3.0
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active
2024-07-01 00:00:00.0
Interagency Language Roundtable Speaking Skill Scale
The following Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) Skill Level Descriptions (SLDs) describe proficiency as the functional ability to produce spoken language that reflects current usage. The SLDs characterize proficiency ranging from no communicative ability to mastery. They constitute an ordinal scale that includes six ranked base levels from 0 to 5. They illustrate, but do not exhaustively characterize, the proficiency a person may demonstrate at a given level on the scale.\r\n\r\nControl of a base level (Levels 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5) typically implies control of the previous levels' aspects. A higher level of performance in one aspect does not justify a higher general proficiency rating. Level 5 includes the features of all levels. Still, as with all levels, Level 5 is a range and performance will vary.\r\n\r\nThere are plus levels for levels 0 through 4. Plus levels describe proficiency that substantially exceeds one base level and does not fully meet the criteria of the next base level. To merit a plus level, the demonstrated proficiency must match the plus level description and not be merely a strong performance at the base level.\r\n\r\nThe SLDs describe four aspects of language proficiency: functional ability (color coded green), precision of forms and meanings (red), content meaningfulness (black), and contextual appropriateness (blue). Functional ability refers to the communicative acts or tasks that an individual can accomplish. There are no functional abilities specific to the plus levels. Precision of forms and meanings refers to accuracy, range, and complexity. Content meaningfulness refers to the relevance and substantive coverage of topics. Contextual appropriateness refers to register, acceptability, and appropriateness of language for the intended audience.\r\n\r\nThe SLDs are presented in an official prose version as well as a supplementary crosswalk matrix. Each level description begins with a bolded main statement that summarizes the features of that level. Color coded supporting statements follow the main statement and describe the four aspects in detail. The crosswalk matrix shows the structure of the SLDs explicitly across the four skills.\r\n\r\nFor more information, including the source content, please see [https://www.govtilr.org/Skills/Speaking.htm](https://www.govtilr.org/Skills/Speaking.htm).
| code | display | definition | hierarchy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 0 | Unable to speak the language in almost any context. | Has essentially no functional communicative ability. Oral production is limited to occasional isolat... | |
| Level 0+ | Able to produce some memorized, isolated words and phrases with random accuracy and little regard to context. | Able to list some simple words and produce minimal exchanges, such as asking formulaic questions and... | |
| Level 1 | Able to maintain simple exchanges on topics related to self, despite pervasive errors and limited contextual appropriateness. | Can conduct daily activities or state in a simple manner action to be taken. Able to formulate some ... | |
| Level 1+ | Able to initiate and maintain simple conversations in areas beyond most basic needs, though inaccurately and not always appropriately. | May exhibit some frequently used organizational devices. Usually, cannot sustain cohesiveness in lon... | |
| Level 2 | Able to communicate intended meaning in straightforward, everyday conversations and routine, work-related interactions. | Can typically report facts, make simple recommendations, and provide straightforward descriptions, d... | |
| Level 2+ | Able to communicate fully in many informal and everyday contexts; in some formal and professional contexts, speaks with language that is often, but not always, acceptable and effective. | Often communicates a coherent message; however, the message conveyed is not consistently clear or th... | |
| Level 3 | Able to speak with sufficient accuracy to participate effectively in formal and informal contexts on general social and professional topics and tasks. | Can perform a range of tasks, such as discuss and compare societal issues and their implications, st... | |
| Level 3+ | Able to speak with accuracy using some culturally appropriate language tailored to some audiences on a range of topics. | Employs some complex discourse strategies to organize thoughts and present a clear, coherent message... | |
| Level 4 | Able to speak with considerable precision using culturally appropriate language tailored to a variety of audiences on a wide range of topics. | Can advise, persuade, negotiate, or counsel effectively. Can participate in or give a formal speech ... | |
| Level 4+ | Able to speak with precision, using diverse linguistic resources to produce articulate, tailored, and nuanced language in most contexts with only rare mistakes. | Uses discourse strategies flexibly to enhance the effectiveness of the message conveyed. Employs a w... | |
| Level 5 | Able to speak with clarity of expression and precision, using diverse linguistic resources to produce articulate, nuanced, and engaging language in almost any context. | Can set the tone of interpersonal official, semi-official and non-professional verbal exchanges for ... |