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Sign languages and the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
Descriptors and approaches to assessment

This resource establishes European standards for sign languages for professional purposes in line with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and provides an overview of assessment descriptors and approaches.

Overview

PRO-Sign reference
levels

About the CEFR

Assessment of language proficiency

Glossary and Links

The Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) provides a common basis for the creation of language syllabuses, curriculum guidelines, examinations, textbooks, etc. across Europe.

The CEFR describes in a comprehensive way what language learners have to learn to do in order to use a language for communication and what knowledge and skills they have to develop so as to be able to act effectively. The description also covers the cultural context in which language is set. Through its Global Scale and the Self-assessment grid, it also defines levels of proficiency which allow learners’ progress to be measured at each stage of learning and on a life-long basis. These two features are central to assessment for the European Language Portfolio (ELP).

Common Reference Levels: Global Scale for Sign Languages
Proficient user	C2	Can understand with ease virtually all [signed] texts. Can summarise information from different sources and reconstruct arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. Can express him/herself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating nuances of meaning even in more complex situations.
Proficient user	C1	Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning. Can express him/herself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.
Independent User	B2	Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialisation. Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native/proficient signers quite possible without strain for either party. Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
Independent User	B1	Can understand the main points when clear, standard language [which for sign language users may be a locally used variation] is used and the topics are familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise where the sign language is used. Can produce simple connected text on topics, which are familiar, or of personal interest. Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes and ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.
Basic User	A2	Can understand sentences and frequently-used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment). Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. Can describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.
Basic User	A1	Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can introduce him/herself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details, such as where he/she lives, people he/she knows and things he/she has. Can interact in a simple way provided the other person communicates slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.

Did you know...

The CEFR exists in over 40 language versions.

A dedicated CEFR website established by the Language Policy Unit of the Council of Europe explains key features of the instrument:

The CEFR: a transparent, coherent and comprehensive instrument
Six levels of foreign language proficiency
The CEFR is much more than proficiency scales
Using the CEFR in specific contexts
The Companion Volume (2020) to the CEFR is now available

The full-text versions of the CEFR can be downloaded in English and French.

Sign languages and the CEFR for Languages

Common Reference Level Descriptors

Download document: Czech - Dutch - English - Estonian - German - Icelandic - Slovenian

Global scale for sign languages

Download global scales

Making good use of the CEFR: some reflections on the PRO-Sign project

Guest contribution from David Little
Download document

Common Reference Levels: Global Scale for Sign Languages

Proficient User	C2	Can understand with ease virtually all [signed] texts. Can summarise information from different sources and reconstruct arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. Can express him/herself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating nuances of meaning even in more complex situations.
Proficient User	C1	Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning. Can express him/herself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.
Independent User	B2	Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialisation. Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native/proficient signers quite possible without strain for either party. Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
Independent User	B1	Can understand the main points when clear, standard language [which for sign language users may be a locally used variation] is used and the topics are familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise where the sign language is used. Can produce simple connected text on topics, which are familiar, or of personal interest. Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes and ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.
Basic User	A2	Can understand sentences and frequently-used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment). Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. Can describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.
Basic User	A1	Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can introduce him/herself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details, such as where he/she lives, people he/she knows and things he/she has. Can interact in a simple way provided the other person communicates slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.

OVERALL PRODUCTION
C2	Can produce clear, smoothly flowing well-structured [signed] text with an effective logical structure which helps the recipient to notice and remember significant points.
C1	Can give clear, detailed descriptions and presentations on complex subjects, integrating sub-themes, developing particular points and rounding off with an appropriate conclusion. Can give clear, systematically developed descriptions and presentations, with appropriate highlighting of significant points, and relevant supporting detail.
B2	Can give clear, detailed descriptions and presentations on a wide range of subjects related to his/her field of interest, expanding and supporting ideas with subsidiary points and relevant examples.
B1	Can reasonably fluently sustain a straightforward description of one of a variety of subjects within his/her field of interest, presenting it as a linear sequence of points.
A2	Can give a simple description or presentation of people, living or working conditions, daily routines, likes/dislikes, etc. as a short series of simple phrases and sentences linked into a list.
A1	Can produce simple mainly isolated phrases about people and places.

SUSTAINED MONOLOGUE: Describing experience
C2	Can give clear, smoothly flowing, elaborate and often memorable descriptions.
C1	Can give clear, detailed descriptions of complex subjects. Can give elaborate descriptions and narratives, integrating sub-themes, developing particular points and rounding off with an appropriate conclusion.
B2	Can give clear, detailed descriptions on a wide range of subjects related to his/her field of interest.
B1	Can give straightforward descriptions on a variety of familiar subjects within his/her field of interest. Can reasonably fluently relate a straightforward narrative or description as a linear sequence of points. Can give detailed accounts of experiences, describing feelings and reactions. Can relate details of unpredictable occurrences, e.g. an accident. Can relate the plot of a book or film and describe his/her reactions. Can describe dreams, hopes and ambitions. Can describe events, real or imagined. Can narrate a story.
A2	Can tell a story or describe something in a simple list of points. Can describe everyday aspects of his/her environment e.g. people, places, a job or study experience. Can give short, basic descriptions of events and activities. Can describe plans and arrangements, habits and routines, past activities and personal experiences. Can use simple descriptive language to make brief statements about and compare objects and possessions.
A1	Can explain what he/she likes or dislikes about something. Can describe him/herself, what he/she does and where he/she lives.

SUSTAINED MONOLOGUE: Putting a case (e.g. in a debate)
C2	No descriptor available
C1	No descriptor available
B2	Can develop an argument systematically with appropriate highlighting of significant points, and relevant supporting detail.
B2	Can develop a clear argument, expanding and supporting his/her points of view at some length with subsidiary points and relevant examples. Can construct a chain of reasoned argument: Can explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
B1	Can develop an argument well enough to be followed without difficulty most of the time.
B1	Can briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions, plans and actions.
A2	No descriptor available
A1	No descriptor available

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS
C2	No descriptor available
C1	Can deliver announcements fluently, almost effortlessly, using stress and intonation [NMFs?] to convey finer shades of meaning precisely.
B2	Can deliver announcements on most general topics with a degree of clarity, fluency and spontaneity which causes no strain or inconvenience to the interlocutor.
B1	Can deliver short, rehearsed announcements on a topic pertinent to everyday occurrences in his/her field which, despite possibly very foreign stress and intonation [use of NMFs?], are nevertheless clearly intelligible.
A2	Can deliver very short, rehearsed announcements of predictable, learnt content which are intelligible to interlocutors who are prepared to concentrate.
A1	No descriptor available

ADDRESSING AUDIENCES
C2	Can present a complex topic confidently and articulately to an audience unfamiliar with it, structuring and adapting the talk flexibly to meet the audience’s needs. Can handle difficult and even hostile questioning.
C1	Can give a clear, well-structured presentation of a complex subject, expanding and supporting points of view at some length with subsidiary points, reasons and relevant examples. Can handle interjections well, responding spontaneously and almost effortlessly.
B2	Can give a clear, systematically developed presentation, with highlighting of significant points, and relevant supporting detail. Can depart spontaneously from a prepared text and follow up interesting points raised by members of the audience, often showing remarkable fluency and ease of expression.
B2	Can give a clear, prepared presentation, giving reasons in support of or against a particular point of view and giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options. Can take a series of follow up questions with a degree of fluency and spontaneity which poses no strain for either him/herself or the audience.
B1	Can give a prepared straightforward presentation on a familiar topic within his/her field which is clear enough to be followed without difficulty most of the time, and in which the main points are explained with reasonable precision. Can take follow up questions, but may have to ask for repetition if the delivery was rapid.
A2	Can give a short, rehearsed presentation on a topic pertinent to his/her everyday life, briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions, plans and actions. Can cope with a limited number of straightforward follow up questions.
A2	Can give a short, rehearsed, basic presentation on a familiar subject. Can answer straightforward follow up questions if he/she can ask for repetition and if some help with the formulation of his/her reply is possible.
A1	Can deliver a very short, rehearsed statement – e.g. to introduce a presenter, propose a toast.

PLANNING
C2	As B2
C1	As B2
B2	Can plan what is to be signed and the means to say it, considering the effect on the recipient/s.
B1	Can rehearse and try out new combinations and expressions, inviting feedback.
B1	Can work out how to communicate the main point(s) he/she wants to get across, exploiting any resources available and limiting the message to what he/she can recall or find the means to express.
A2	Can recall and rehearse an appropriate set of phrases from his/her repertoire.
A1	No descriptor available

COMPENSATING
C2	Can substitute an equivalent term for a word he/she can’t recall so smoothly that it is scarcely noticeable.
C1	As B2+
B2	Can use circumlocution and paraphrase to cover gaps in vocabulary and structure.
B1	Can define the features of something concrete for which he/she can’t remember the word [sign]. Can convey meaning by qualifying a word [sign] meaning something similar (e.g. a truck for people = bus).
B1	Can use a simple word [sign] meaning something similar to the concept he/she wants to convey and invites ‘correction’.
A2	Can use an inadequate word [sign] from his/her repertoire and use gesture to clarify what he/she wants to say.
A2	Can identify what he/she means by pointing to it (e.g. ‘I’d like this, please’).
A1	No descriptor available

MONITORING AND REPAIR
C2	Can backtrack and restructure around a difficulty so smoothly the interlocutor is hardly aware of it.
C1	Can backtrack when he/she encounters a difficulty and reformulate what he/she wants to say without fully interrupting the flow of signing.
B2	Can correct slips and errors if he/she becomes conscious of them or if they have led to misunderstandings. Can make a note of ‘favourite mistakes’ and consciously monitor output for it/them.
B1	Can correct mix-ups with the marking of time or expressions that lead to misunderstandings provided the interlocutor indicates there is a problem.
B1	Can ask for confirmation that a form used is correct. Can start again using a different tactic when communication breaks down.
A2	No descriptor available
A1	No descriptor available

OVERALL COMPREHENSION
C2	Has no difficulty in understanding any kind of sign language, whether live or broadcast, delivered at fast native speed.
C1	Can understand enough to follow extended texts on abstract and complex topics beyond his/her own field, though he/she may need to confirm occasional details, especially if the variant is unfamiliar. Can recognise a wide range of idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms, appreciating register shifts. Can follow extended texts even when it is not clearly structured and when relationships are only implied and not signalled explicitly.
B2	Can understand widely used [variants] of a sign language, live or broadcast, on both familiar and unfamiliar topics normally encountered in personal, social, academic or vocational life. Only extreme background [visual or auditory] noise, inadequate discourse structure and/or idiomatic usage influences the ability to understand.
B2	Can understand the main ideas of propositionally and linguistically complex texts on both concrete and abstract topics delivered in a standard dialect, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialisation. Can follow extended text and complex lines of argument provided the topic is reasonably familiar, and the direction of the talk is sign-posted by explicit markers.
B1	Can understand straightforward factual information about common everyday or job related topics, identifying both general messages and specific details, provided sign is clearly articulated in a generally familiar variant.
B1	Can understand the main points of clear standard sign on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure etc., including short narratives.
A2	Can understand enough to be able to meet needs of a concrete type provided sign is clearly and slowly articulated.
A2	Can understand phrases and expressions related to areas of most immediate priority (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment) provided sign is clearly and slowly articulated.
A1	Can follow sign which is very slow and carefully articulated, with long pauses for him/her to assimilate meaning.

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Common Reference Levels

Sign languages and the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
Descriptors and approaches to assessment

This resource establishes European standards for sign languages for professional purposes in line with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and provides an overview of assessment descriptors and approaches.

Common Reference Levels: Global Scale for Sign Languages

Did you know...

Sign languages and the CEFR for Languages

Global scale for sign languages

Making good use of the CEFR: some reflections on the PRO-Sign project

Sign languages and the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages Descriptors and approaches to assessment

This resource establishes European standards for sign languages for professional purposes in line with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and provides an overview of assessment descriptors and approaches.

Common Reference Levels: Global Scale for Sign Languages

Did you know...

Sign languages and the CEFR for Languages

Global scale for sign languages

Making good use of the CEFR: some reflections on the PRO-Sign project

Sign languages and the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
Descriptors and approaches to assessment