How do employers define 'fluency'?

BabyE

Fluency in a language is imo like trying to define what 'big' or 'beautiful' or any other subjective concept is. How does one decide whether or not they are fluent in a language? I would consider myself of a higher standard in my other language than many that I've encountered in English, but it seems the standards for an English speaker in another language are harder than it is on the other foot(which makes no sense considering that it is rarer for an English speaker to have a high level of proficency in another language) so you would assume that the bar would be lower for native English speakers.

I'm C1 on the European framework thingy, I can talk clearly about a wide range of themes but of course I'm not a native.

PCX

Like you say it's an entirely subjective term and employers will differ in their requirements. The specs for 2 jobs might both list fluency in a second language. However one may really mean enough working knowledge to be able to communicate in work situations while the other might mean they want a native speaker or someone of that standard.

I think B2 on the European framework is the level that is required by the EU for a second language for most of their jobs. The civil service here also use B2 as the required standard for the Irish language streams when recuiting. C1 is the level needed for translator jobs and is definitely concidered fluent.

3DataModem

This is why I do a language test for any language related hires. It's amazing how many people think "fluent" means "leaving cert".

OP - fluent to me means you are absolutely fluent for written, live written, and verbal conversation - including vernacular.

seamus

3DataModem wrote: »

including vernacular.

I think this is probably key for "fluent". Not only can you communicate well in the language, but are familiar with most idioms and slang.

This is especially common when hiring for outsourced second language jobs where they don't want it obvious to the customer that they're not speaking to someone down the road.

BabyE

Interesting, I suppose I wouldn't define myself as fluent even though if a Spanish/German speaker had my level of English I would define them as having a great command of the language. Its a difficult one. but I think you just know when you are fluent in a language, if you are doubting yourself, you probably aren't.

BabyE

PCX wrote: »

Like you say it's an entirely subjective term and employers will differ in their requirements. The specs for 2 jobs might both list fluency in a second language. However one may really mean enough working knowledge to be able to communicate in work situations while the other might mean they want a native speaker or someone of that standard.

I think B2 on the European framework is the level that is required by the EU for a second language for most of their jobs. The civil service here also use B2 as the required standard for the Irish language streams when recuiting. C1 is the level needed for translator jobs and is definitely concidered fluent.

That's interesting, I actually think B2 isn't sufficent, its really good, but still the language is one that you aren't totally comfortable with. However, its probably the level of someone who has really studied the language but has yet to 'live' it, and a short stay in the country where the language is spoken should see them push into the C sphere.