In a context of globalization and open diplomacy, interstate partnership agreements, labour mobility, and cooperation framework agreements between organizations, government departments, permanent agencies and missions, it is absolutely essential to be able to express oneself in one of the languages of influence on the international stage. To make this possible, we have designed customized training programs for acquiring skills in communicating in second languages.
This language training program makes it possible to attain the language objectives set by management of the corporate entity in question. Similarly, in a context of globalization and deregulation of the commercial space, learning a second language is an absolute necessity. That is why our programs include terminology related to courtesy, diplomacy, business management and negotiation within the framework of a socio-constructive approach.
Beginner level
The beginner level is the lowest level of second-language reading comprehension of texts on topics of limited scope.
Persons reading at this level can:
- fully understand very simple texts;
- grasp the main theme of texts about familiar topics; and
- read and understand simple points of information such as dates, numbers or names from relatively simpler texts in order to perform the routine tasks of a job.
Written expression in the second official language evaluates all the levels of competency necessary for diplomats and businesspeople. Learners at this level develop their:
- ability to write points of information of limited scope in their second language;
- ability to write isolated words, phrases, simple statements or questions on very familiar topics using words of time, place or person.
Learners at the beginner level can partially understand speech that deals with concrete and routine topics and is delivered slowly and clearly in standard speech. Can make themselves understood in short contributions, even though pauses and false starts are very evident. Can talk about their routine activities and handle a simple question-and-answer exchange. Have sufficient basic vocabulary and grammatical structures to conduct routine transactions involving familiar situations and topics. Use structures and vocabulary borrowed from another language, which can interfere with the clarity of the message. Have pronunciation that requires close attention from the listener, but there are no long stretches that are unclear.
Intermediate level
The intermediate level is the minimum level required for reading comprehension in the second language for positions that require comprehension of most texts of a descriptive or factual nature on work-related or mission-related topics.
Persons reading at this level can:
- grasp the general meaning of most texts;
- identify specific details in them.
The intermediate level in grammar aims to develop the ability to write short descriptive or factual texts in the second language, and to master the grammar and vocabulary required to deal with explicit information on work-related topics.
Learners at the intermediate level can understand the main points of clear standard speech that deals with concrete work-related or mission-related topics and is spoken in standard dialect at normal speed. Can give a simple description of a concrete topic and explain main points of a speech comprehensibly. Can compare and discuss alternatives when complications arise. Can speak with some spontaneity, although pauses for grammatical and lexical planning and repair are evident in longer stretches. Have sufficient vocabulary and a variety of simple grammatical structures to handle concrete, non-routine situations and topics. May be miscommunicating in some areas, but most stretches are clear. Have pronunciation that is generally clear enough to be understood, despite an evident accent from another language. Will at times be asked by the listener to repeat or clarify.
Advanced level
The advanced level in reading comprehension is the level of second-language skill required to understand texts that deal with a wide variety of work-related topics.
Persons reading at this level can:
- grasp the greater part of complex details, recognize allusions and inferences;
- understand the gist of texts dealing with specialized or less familiar questions;
- distinguish between main and secondary ideas.
The advanced level in grammar brings the skill to write explanations or descriptions in a variety of informal and formal work-related situations, and to write texts in which the ideas are developed and presented in a coherent manner in which vocabulary, grammar and spelling are generally appropriate and require few corrections.
The advanced level in oral proficiency allows for the understanding of linguistically complex speech that deals with work-related or mission-related topics and is spoken in standard dialect at normal speed. Persons at this level can give clear, detailed descriptions of complex topics and can summarize a discussion. Can express and sustain opinions and respond to complex and hypothetical questions. Have a fairly natural and even delivery, with occasional hesitations, but most hesitations are to search for ideas. Have a broad range of vocabulary and structures allowing them to talk about complex and abstract topics, with a relatively high degree of control. Make errors, but these rarely lead to misunderstanding. Have pronunciation that is clear, even if an accent from another language is noticeable. Have occasional mispronunciations but they rarely interfere with communication.
