How can language assessment tools be adapted for global communication?

1 Why adapt language assessment tools?

Language assessment tools are not neutral or universal. They are influenced by the contexts, cultures, and purposes of their design and use. Therefore, they may not adequately capture the linguistic and communicative skills and needs of people who use languages in different ways and for different reasons across the world. For example, a language test that focuses on grammar and vocabulary may not reflect the pragmatic and intercultural competence of a person who uses a language as a lingua franca or in a multilingual setting. Similarly, a language test that is based on a standard or native variety of a language may not recognize the diversity and variation of language use among speakers of different backgrounds and regions. Adapting language assessment tools can help to make them more relevant, fair, and inclusive for global communication.

2 How to adapt language assessment tools?

There is no one-size-fits-all solution for adapting language assessment tools for global communication. However, there are some general principles and steps that can guide you in this process. First, you need to identify the purpose and audience of your language assessment tool. What are you trying to measure and why? Who are you measuring and for whom? Second, you need to review the content and format of your language assessment tool. Does it reflect the language use and communication contexts of your target group? Does it account for the linguistic and cultural diversity and variation of your target group? Does it provide multiple and flexible ways of assessing and demonstrating language skills and competence? Third, you need to evaluate the validity and reliability of your language assessment tool. How well does it measure what it claims to measure? How consistent and accurate are the results and interpretations? How transparent and fair are the procedures and criteria?

3 What are some challenges of adapting language assessment tools?

Adapting language assessment tools for global communication comes with a range of challenges, such as the lack of clear and consistent definitions and standards of language proficiency and competence across different languages, contexts, and purposes. It can also be difficult to balance the specificity and comparability of language assessment tools across different groups and situations. Furthermore, designing and administering language assessment tools that account for the multiple and dynamic aspects of language use and communication, such as pragmatics, interculturality, multilingualism, and multimodality is complex. Finally, developing and updating language assessment tools to meet the changing needs and expectations of language users and stakeholders requires considerable time and cost.

4 What are some opportunities of adapting language assessment tools?

Adapting language assessment tools for global communication offers many opportunities, such as the potential to enhance quality and relevance for different users and purposes. It can also promote recognition and appreciation of language diversity, as well as foster the development of linguistic and communicative skills essential for global communication. Additionally, it provides a chance to engage and collaborate with language users and stakeholders in designing assessment tools that reflect their needs and perspectives.

5 What are some resources for adapting language assessment tools?

If you are interested in adapting language assessment tools for global communication, you may find the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and its Companion Volume helpful. They provide a comprehensive and flexible framework for describing and assessing language proficiency and competence in a global and multilingual context. Additionally, the Association of Language Testers in Europe (ALTE) has guidelines and standards for developing and using language tests in Europe and beyond. The International Language Testing Association (ILTA) offers resources and support for language testing professionals and researchers worldwide. Finally, the Language Assessment Literacy (LAL) website has a collection of materials and activities to enhance the knowledge and skills of language assessment users and developers.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?