PRE ELEMENTARY – In the ICAO English Language Proficiency framework, Pre-Elementary Level (Level 1) represents the most basic level of English proficiency. At this level, the speaker has minimal command of the language, and their ability to communicate in English is extremely limited. Here’s how each of the six proficiency criteria is marked at the Pre-Elementary Level:
1. Pronunciation
- Marking at Pre-Elementary Level: Pronunciation is heavily influenced by the speaker’s native language and may be unclear or difficult to understand. The speaker may struggle with basic English sounds and intonation, leading to frequent misunderstandings. Pronunciation is inconsistent, often requiring listeners to exert significant effort to understand even basic words.
2. Structure (Grammar and Sentence Construction)
- Marking at Pre-Elementary Level: The speaker demonstrates minimal control over English grammar and may only be able to construct very simple sentences or phrases. There is little or no ability to form complete or correct sentences, and errors are frequent and significant, making it difficult to convey even basic information.
3. Vocabulary
- Marking at Pre-Elementary Level: Vocabulary is extremely limited and typically restricted to a few isolated words or very basic phrases. The speaker lacks the vocabulary necessary for even simple conversations and cannot express themselves adequately in routine or work-related situations.
4. Fluency
- Marking at Pre-Elementary Level: Speech is fragmented and marked by frequent pauses, hesitations, and a lack of continuity. The speaker may struggle to form complete thoughts or sentences and relies heavily on pauses. Fluency is severely limited, often resulting in speech that is disjointed and difficult to follow.
5. Comprehension
- Marking at Pre-Elementary Level: Comprehension is very low, and the speaker has difficulty understanding even simple, slow, or clearly enunciated English. They may only recognize a few isolated words and may require significant repetition or clarification. They struggle with basic instructions or questions, especially if not highly familiar with the context.
6. Interactions
- Marking at Pre-Elementary Level: Interaction skills are minimal. The speaker is unable to effectively engage in even simple exchanges, often requiring help to understand or respond appropriately. They may rely on gestures, isolated words, or long pauses to attempt communication, but responses are generally limited and ineffective.
Overall Scoring at Pre-Elementary Level (Level 1)
At the Pre-Elementary Level (Level 1), the speaker’s ability to use and understand English is very restricted, making it difficult for them to engage in even the most basic aviation-related communications. This level does not meet the minimum operational requirements, as the speaker would struggle significantly with any real-world aviation communication tasks, such as interacting with ATC, understanding basic instructions, or responding to routine queries.
A Level 1 rating indicates that a substantial amount of language training would be required for the individual to achieve an operational level suitable for international aviation duties.