I have communicated with different people around the world, who are at the intermediate level of English. I was surprised that their profiles show that they are intermediate learners, but actually they are not! I don't know if my English becomes higher or they don't provide accurate details.
How can I manage the issue, to communicate with people at the same level of mine?
Masry, believe me honesty is the best strategy in these matters!
I know it's embarrassing a little, but if you carry on with this language partner
without at least asking them who gave them that level, or whether they took
an exam to determine their level, they would think that they are as good as
their fake level!
Once I read a horrible answer in the English section from a native Arabic
speaker, and when I point out to the asker that the answer is totally wrong
and it's best to wait for a native English speaker to give her an answer, I was
asked by that Arabic speaker about my problem! ;)
So I had to be honest, and I told him that he doesn't deserve the full English bars
on his profile! He tried to defend his English and told me his Canadian friend
told him that he sounds good in English!!! Masry, the mistakes he made, my 9 years
old niece wouldn't make and I doubt his English speaking was any better!
So I told him the truth even though he was surprised!
Honesty hurts sometimes, but me myself I would rather honesty with me in these
cases, so I won't embarrass myself.
Here is a simple description of the Intermediate language levels based on The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEF):
Low Intermediate... I can make simple sentences and can understand the main points of a conversation but need much more vocabulary. (B1)
Intermediate... I can speak and understand reasonably well and can use basic tenses but have problems with more complex grammar and vocabulary. (B1)
Upper Intermediate... I speak and understand well but still make mistakes and fail to make myself understood occasionally. (B2)
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My Recommendation:
To learn a second langauge, one should depend only on a native speaker, although you must know that some native speakers make mistakes that they should not be making, i.e., native, but not at an advanced level.
@<a href="https://www.italki.com/user/596420">Richard</a>,
Thank you for this information which should be considered while communicating with people, whoever they are native speakers, or other learners. For me, I prefer other learners. Because we spend much time practicing, and talking, while the conversations with native speakers don't last for a long time.
According the The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEF) you have provided, I guess my English level is B2, but I am still not sure yet!
Generally, thank you so much.
@<a href="https://www.italki.com/user/1441228">Mumtaz</a>,
Thank you for this genius idea! Yes, I agree with you, to excuse for any reason. Your idea is so appreciated.
